Valerie M. (Kotik) Barnes

Of Plum, formerly of Forest Hills and East Pittsburgh, age 71, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Born the daughter of the late John Kotik and the late Margaret (Kenhart) Kotik.

Beloved wife of Ronald K. Barnes for 28 years.

Loving mother of Breanna (David Gaines) Barnes of East Liverpool, OH and Dakota (Nia Barreto) Barnes of Monroeville.

Adored grandmother of Mariana Barnes and Naomi Gaines.

Preceded in death by her sister, Betty Kotik.

Val was a member of the final graduating class of East Pittsburgh High School.  She went on to further her education, having obtained a bachelors degree in nursing from Penn State University and a masters degree in education from Duquesne University.  Following graduation, Val embarked on a successful career in the nursing field.  She spent time working at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and also educated nurses on the proper treatment of wounds.  Val was a dog lover, and enjoyed spending time swimming at the YMCA, where she gained countless friendships over the years. 

The fight with cancer Val faced over the past month was courageous in the truest sense of the word.  Quoting her favorite movie, “Gone with the Wind”, "Burdens are for shoulders strong enough to carry them."  Val validated those words with her actions, and forever will live on in the hearts those she has left behind. 

Friends are welcome on Friday from 5 - 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 - 10 a.m. at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800.

A Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Byzantine Catholic Church of the Resurrection (Monroeville).

Val will be laid to rest in Monongahela Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.cancer.org