Elizabeth Carol Yarema, an attorney who believed in solving issues by mediation, died of a pulmonary embolism Monday at her northern Baltimore County home. She was 38.
Born in Baltimore and raised in Sparks, she was a 1987 graduate of St. Paul's School for Girls, where she was yearbook editor and contributed to the school's literary magazine and newspaper. She received the Trustee Award, given to a student with "outstanding character, good citizenship, and who contributes with service to the community."
Ms. Yarema earned an English degree at Davidson College in 1991 and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1995.
While in school, Ms. Yarema was an intern for Circuit Judge John Fader, who recalled her as "an excellent, outgoing person who worked hard and became a fine lawyer."
She also worked at the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit and later established a practice in Hereford. She focused on family law and mediation. She was also associated with a Timonium law firm, Mister Winter & Bartlett.
"She was my right hand and handled all my leases," said her father, developer Carl Yarema, also of Hereford. "She was a sweet and caring person."
A close friend, Jenifer "Jen" Cromwell of Silver Spring, said: "She was brilliant with people. She treated all persons with respect, and she would listen with her whole heart. She didn't offer advice until it was sought."
Ms. Yarema was involved with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. Ms. Yarema applied her skills to assist clients in resolving difficult family law matters such as divorce and custody disputes, family members said.
An active alumna of St. Paul's School for Girls, she served for three years as a mentor to the Baltimore Girls School Leadership Coalition, a group of six area girls schools. Ms. Yarema led discussion groups to develop leadership skills and to provide encouragement to young women to help them build confidence.
In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, photography, making scrapbooks, hiking and travel.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Saint Paul's School Chapel, 11152 Falls Road in Brooklandville.
In addition to her father, survivors include her mother, Eleanor McGinnis Yarema of Sparks; a brother, C.J. Yarema of Vero Beach, Fla.; and a niece and nephew.