Kristin Ann Petri

Kristin Ann Petri, 47, of Denver, passed away unexpectantly on Saturday, August 5, 2023.  She was born on April 1, 1976, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the daughter of Gary and Jean (Anderson) Petri. 

Kristin was instrumental in establishing the Children’s Program at the Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network (RMIAN) where she worked from 2005 until 2013.  She was a passionate advocate for the rights of immigrant children.  Kristin represented hundreds of youths throughout Colorado who suffered persecution, abuse, abandonment, neglect, family violence, forced labor, or violent crime as she grew the Children’s Program and mentored many in immigration law and social justice work.  Kristin was a steadfast and loyal champion for each and every one of her clients and worked passionately over the course of her lifetime to break down barriers and fight against unjust systems.  She fought like a warrior for immigrants needing help, often placing their needs above those of herself.  She frequently presented on immigration issues unique to youth, including presenting at the annual meeting of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, (AILA).

Kristin also worked for several other Denver law firms representing the rights of immigrants from South and Central America.

She graduated from Kenyon College in 1998 with a B.A. cum laude degree in International Studies and Political Science.  She obtained a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from the University of Colorado in 2004, where she was a recipient of a prestigious Equal Justice Works fellowship to create what eventually became the RMIAN Children’s Program. 

Kristin leaves behind her beloved daughter, Audrey, 15, her brother, Benjamin (Stephanie) Petri of Westminster, niece Sonja, her parents Gary and Jean Petri of Denver, her former husband Tom Barnwell (Audrey’s dad) of Reno, her paternal grandmother, Eileen, 97, of Wisconsin, many aunts and uncles, and cherished friends and colleagues.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network, (RMIAN) of Westminster, Colorado and/or Annunciation House of El Paso, Texas.