I once told Sam that Dahlia would grow up to rule the world, and I stand by that. I’ve never met anyone like Dahlia, and I know I never will.  

Dahlia was clever and creative.  She had a strong sense of justice and spoke up for what she believed in. She had amazing taste in music (just like her mom does) and a fantastic sense of style (just like her mom does). I love listening to her playlists and am so glad to have them to remind me of her. 

Dahlia truly was a force of nature. She loved her people fiercely and they loved her back just as much. The world is less interesting, less creative, less bright without her. I’m so sad that we don’t get to know the person Dahlia would grow up to be, but I am endlessly grateful to have shared space with her, though it was for far too little time. 

Dahlia,thank you for being who exactly as you were. I am proud to call you my friend and I will never stop missing you and loving you. Sam, you are so loved and you have a whole crew of people in Missouri and Kansas who love you so much, who are lucky to be your friends, and who will never stop loving you.

I remember the goofy videos Dahlia made that we all got to watch at YS, and watching Instagram stories of her birthday shopping spree at Bubble Wrapp in Kansas City. What a cool, unique, outspoken kid who was so endlessly loved by Sam and their Kansas City community. Sending so much love <3

I cannot imagine what a loss like this feels like. I am truly so sorry. 

I remember first meeting Dahlia at YS and being captivated by her brilliance, empathy, and zest for creating. How lucky am I that I had the honor to know her! 

I think about Dahlia often when I am at school, working with my students. I think about how Dahlia reminds me of patience and a need for student voice. Most of all, though, I think about Dahlia in moments where I need to be reminded of why I became a teacher. 

To love and respect kids. To see their humanity. To celebrate success and to learn from any and all moments! 

Having known Dahlia and as a way to honor her, I will continue being an advocate for children and families. I will push back when faced with injustice. 

Dahlia remains in this way. 

I grieve with you and I celebrate the time she shared with us. She guides me daily! 
 
With Love, 
Caleb Austin

Mary and Maria am sorry to hear your the loss of such a beautiful girl. May the family pray together joe mc kenna

Dahlia had the most vibrant personality.  Although we hadn't had many visits, there was a connection that I felt with her that was unexplainable. We shared some notes back and forth which I will cherish. She was a brilliant mind and my favorite memory of this lunch pictured above, was her singing the whole entire Encanto song word for word, acapello. When my kids met her they were also captivated by her. She shared so many things about herself with them and they got to see her vibrance, creativity, imagination, and artistic ability.  She was such a bright and exuberant child that we wish we had more time and experiences with.  Samantha, Shannon, and Aunt Mary...We are so very saddened and sorry for your loss of Dahlia. We love you. ❤️

Samantha,  Shannon, Mary and family,   We are so very sorry.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.    Rest peacefully sweet Dahlia.   You are so loved

I remember her coming to social hour and sitting down to ask us "what would you like to know about me," as though she were sitting down to a news interview.  Such a vibrant personality, I can't believe she's gone.

OBITUARY

Dahlia Rae Barry

April 20, 2016 – December 30, 2023

James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc.

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