A Denver District Court judge today sentenced wrong-way drunken driver Victoria Barry to a decade in prison for causing the wreck that claimed the life of a young mother.

Barry, 28, registered a blood alcohol level of .219 two hours after she collided head-on with the car that Lilly Duncan, 31, was driving home from a family birthday party the night of May 14, 2011on northbound Interstate 25.

Judge Sheila Rappaport weighed the emotional pleas of Duncan’s family, including that of Duncan’s 13-year-old orphaned daughter, against Barry’s prior humanitarian acts and clean criminal record.

The penalty is two years shy of the maximum allowed for vehicular homicide involving drunken driving, an offense Rappaport called “one of the most serious offenses that comes before the court.”

“One night, one decision, one act does not and should not define Ms. Barry,” Rappaport said. “Conversely, I have to factor in the fact that one night, one decision and one act defined and obliterated all that Ms. Duncan could be or would achieve in her life.”

At times the hearing seemed more like a memorial service, with family members openly weeping, pictures of Duncan flashing across a video screen and recordings of Duncan — who loved to sing — performing “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

Mother Diana Smith noted Duncan’s dedication to her own daughter — Dyrah — who was born premature and struggled to survive her first 18 months of life. Duncan homeschooled Dyrah, who still calls her mother her best friend, to help her catch up with other kids.

The 10-year sentence, followed by five years of parole, offers some closure.

“Justice was served,” Smith said. “I’m pretty satisfied. It’s been a long time, and it’s taken a toll on our family.”

Barry’s family pleaded for a lenient sentence that would allow Barry, whose history of humanitarian efforts includes helping needy children in the Dominican Republic, to teach others the dangers of drunken driving.

Barry told the judge that she still wakes up wondering why she lived and Duncan died in the crash and noted that she will suffer for the rest of her life as a felon. But courtroom observers noted she never apologized to Duncan’s family.

“I was looked up to. I was respected and I was needed. On May 14 all that changed. I have not moved on. I am still there,” Barry told the court. “I know if given a chance, I could make a difference in the lives of others.”

As handcuffs slipped into place around Barry’s wrists, her mother mouthed “I love you” and she was led from the courtroom.

Dyrah Smith, 13, expressed mixed feelings after the sentencing.

“If that was me, I would feel scared,” Dyrah said. “But I’m not sorry. (She’s) the one that ruined my life.”

Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 , jfender@denverpost.com or twitter.com/oh_fender