Barbara Frances Skopec

Barbara Skopec, 96, of Kirkland, Washington, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and son-in-law. She lived a long, full life, touching the hearts of all who knew her with her strength, grace, generosity, and deep love of family.

Barbara was born Oct. 1928 in Santa Ana, Calif., to her father, Thomas ”Fred” Cullison, and mother, Georgiana. She was raised in a stilt house on San Elijo Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California where she could watch the two daily tides wash beneath her front porch. Her family later moved into a home up the hill in south Cardiff. It was there she lived after marrying William Baxter and welcoming her two children, Cathy and William (“Billy”). When the marriage ended Barbara devoted herself to raising her children and caring for her father.

Times were challenging in those early years. Barbara took in laundry for neighbors to help make ends meet before ultimately being hired by the San Dieguito Union High School District where she rose to the position of executive assistant to the superintendent of public schools. It was there she met and later married Frank Skopec, also of Cardiff, to whom she was married until his passing in 2017.

In 2007, Barbara and Frank moved to Bellevue, Washington to live with her daughter and son-in-law, and to be close to her grandchildren, Beriah, Amber, and Parker. After Frank’s passing, she moved with Cathy and her husband, Lon, to Kingston, Washington, where she lived until March 2025. At that time, Barbara moved to Kirkland, Washington and spent her final months of life playing high stakes Go Fish over ginger ales with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy; her son, William; her grandchildren, Beriah (Evonne), Amber (favorite), and Parker; her great-granddaughters, Anna and Celina, Madison and Haley; and great-grandson, Duke. She was preceded in death by many beloved family members who welcomed her home.

Barbara will be remembered as a kind, devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — a steady source of support and someone who cherished ice cream, root beer floats, apricot pineapple jam, verona coffee and, most importantly, every gathering with those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the countless memories she created with her family and friends.

A memorial service and funeral will be held 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, Calif. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Wounded Warriors.