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Kiara Balish Barnett

Kiara Barnett Obituary

Kiara Balish Barnett CHARLESTON - Kiara Balish Barnett died surrounded by loved ones on January 29, 2019 following a recent diagnosis and brief struggle with advanced stage cancer. Born in Walterboro, Kiara moved at a young age to Charleston and has resided on Rainbow Row for many years, with cherished winters spent at Wellington in Palm Beach and summers on Kiawah Island. Kiara was an accomplished restaurateur, who with her beloved sister Donna and brother Jeff, owned Anson and Garibaldi restaurants in Charleston, COLA's and Garibaldi in Columbia, and Garibaldi Cafe and the Olde Pink House in Savannah. She had a lifelong passion for painting and horses, becoming an accomplished artist and equestrian. She was known locally for her drawings and oil paintings of horses and dogs. Kiara, who began showing hunters in the '70s, competed nationally in the Adult Amateur divisions as well as owning other winning horses that competed in professional divisions. With her dear friend Robin Macpherson, she was active for years as a sponsor and participant in the Charleston Summer Classic held annually at Mullet Hall. She was also an avid fox hunter who for many years rode with Middleton Place Hounds. Her generosity and love for animals will endure through the Charleston Animal Society, an organization she was instrumental in establishing, funding and serving as a long-time board member and champion. Her success and joy in these varied pursuits is attributable in part to an approach to life perhaps first developed while jumping horses in her youth and captured in the following passage by Erin Hanson. "There is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky, and you ask, "What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if I fly?" She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and William Balish, and is survived by her beloved sister Donna Moeckel, brother Jeffrey Balish, her devoted companion William Moore and a true family of long-term employees and dear friends. Kiara had a zest for life, keen intelligence and wit. She was blessed with an abundance of inner and outer beauty and will remain in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Charleston Animal Society. Services will be held at the French Huguenot Church, Charleston, Monday, February 4th 2019 at 2pm. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Kiara Barnett

Sponsored by Bonnie hollings.

24 Entries

Debbie Hanzel

February 27, 2019

Donna, so very sad to hear of your loss. Kiara was such a beautiful dignified women very much like your mom. I will remember my time with your family at Garibaldi's in Charleston and Savannah. It brings smiles to my face. May God watch over you during this difficult time. Love you Donna.

February 7, 2019

A light in the world has gone out.Ed Westbrook, Mt.Pleasant, S.C.

Kat Hastie

February 6, 2019

Thank you Bonnie Hollings for keeping the Guest Book online for I haven't been able to articulate how I feel about all of us losing an "endangered species". Kiara was just that-a rare, exotic, lovely, serene, human being. Donna, I feel for you. Know you are in my heart and how sad I am too.
Remembering your parents too at this time.. With love, Kat

Meg Atkinson

February 4, 2019

Kiara's bright smile and sense of humor brought joy to all who knew her. May her light shine down on her family and all who loved her until we meet again, my friend.

Emily Albarran-Ullman

February 4, 2019

I will forever remember Kiara with fond memories and grateful to have known her and her family. Prayers and love to Jeff and Donna during this difficult time.
Emily Albarran-Ullman

Charlie Wentway

February 4, 2019

Donna,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love to you always,
Felicia and Charlie Wentway

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Ollie Bradsher & the OBCO Chemical family

February 4, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Today and always, wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Kiara will be missed, but never forgotten.

Helen Yochum

February 2, 2019

A special lady

February 1, 2019

Prayers for healing and strength to Donna and Jeff as they journey to recovery from the loss of their sister Kiara

Linda RichaRd Wichita Falls Texas

Linda Sanders

February 1, 2019

May Kiaras family find comfort knowing she will always be with them. I am sad to learn that she passed. God Bless this angel.

Linda Sanders

February 1, 2019

May Kiaras family find comfort knowing she will always be with them. I am sad to learn that she passed. God Bless this angel.

Sandy Murphy

February 1, 2019

such a profound for Kiara's family and multitude of friends, as well as Charleston- what a truly genuine, elegant and gracious person she was, beautiful inside and out; she shall be missed; this candle dimmed way too soon

Tippy Stern Brickman

February 1, 2019

We are saddened by this loss and our hearts and prayers go out to Beautiful Kiara's family and loved ones.
She lit up a room with her beautiful smile and her laugh was contagious.
She will be missed and not forgotten.
She was good, and gracious ,generous and kind.

Denise Bradsher

January 31, 2019

Karia was such a unique individual possessing such beauty and softness. Her design ideas were incredible and I am very sorry to hear of her passing. Her mom and dad were such gracious people . Many a good time enjoyed in their restaurants in Charleston with my own family.

Shari Berman

January 31, 2019

So sorry to hear this news...

Tom

January 31, 2019

Such sad news for me and hundreds more, I am sure. I have known Kiara more than 30 years, since she and Donna strolled in my shop when they opened Garibaldi's in Columbia in the mid-80s. She was, in every sense of the word, an earth angel. She will be remembered by me as she always was at Anson's: beautiful, witty, charming, gracious, soft and kind. I loved her can-do attitude and posture. Quietly, she presented herself always in that of course you can manner. What a loss to Charleston! What a loss to me and so many other friends. Tom Waldrep, 5 Legare Street, Charleston, SC

Susan Antine Baker

January 31, 2019

I am so very sorry to hear of this. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family, and especially to Donna.

Glenda Lazicki

January 31, 2019

So very sad to hear about Kiara. Have known her for many years through working with her at her home downtown. Many phone call conversations. Thoughts and Prayers for Kiara and her family.

Bonnie Hollings

January 31, 2019

We had a lifelong friendship starting as neighbors
You lured me into the horse world in our 20s and
We supported one another through every triumph
And failure ..you are the best friend i have ever had,.
until then , my angel friend

Marie Laure Arnaud

January 30, 2019

What a sad news!
I loved Kiara . I have know her for many years and always enjoyed her company
Just want to tell her family that my prayers and thought will be with you

Diana RUTECKI

January 30, 2019

Kiara you gave such delight to all our family and friends when they came over from Australia to visit the famous East Bay Street. The time we spent together left us with such special times including Christmas which you so generously shared with glorious Bill and your beautiful sister Donna. Thank you for being such a delight and so much fun. Rest In Peace, hope they have some Fried flounder waiting for you in heaven

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