Barbara was born in Seattle, Washington, November 27, 1922, only child of Charles and Elma Shadel. She passed away on January 8, 2020, in Shelton, Washington. Her childhood home base was West Seattle, her parents moving often as they established the Shadel Sanitarium. She lived in a variety of places, often with her Grandmother Irene Schutt at Alki. Alki Beach and family always called her home. By age 8 Barbara could sing harmony, singing alto in church choirs up into her 90’s. (Alki Church Seattle and Shelton United Methodist Church). She became an excellent swimmer at Alki Beach. She graduated from West Seattle High School joining the golf team. Her college career at Washington State (Pullman) cut short by Pearl Harbor 1941, she returned to Seattle, completed business college and worked as secretary for the head engineer for the Army Transport Service (Maintenance & Repair) at the Seattle Port of Embarkation in ’42,’43. She tells of being allowed on the dock to take shorthand when FDR came to review the operations there. (“top secret,” she would always say)
In 1943 she married Coast Guardsman Robert J. Madden Jr, beginning her married life in cabins in Oregon &Washington, as Bob’s crew put in telephone lines along the west coast. Bob was a musician and skilled outdoorsman, so music and camping created many happy times for the growing family. After WWII, they raised 3 daughters in West Seattle as he worked for “Ma Bell.” Barbara was a dedicated wife, mother, homemaker, seamstress, avid reader, swimmer, golfer, artist, bridge-player, staunch Republican, Camp Fire Leader, PTA president and faithful member of Alki Church. She was secretary for several community organizations, including Totten Shores Improvement Club. Bob and Barb ensured that all their girls played musical instruments, went to church, and completed college. The family hand-built a vacation cabin at Totten Shores Shelton, replacing the tent!, and later built a lovely home at Alki. She cared for Bob as he battled kidney disease, helping him operate the kidney machine built in their home by Alki church friends and overseen by UW researchers. Sadly, he died in 1972.
In 1977, Barbara married Garman Andersen, an Army veteran, telephone man, golfer and musician. She loved her 31 years with Garman and also loved his four children. They had many adventures traveling, square dancing, music and bridge with friends, singing in church choir, building a home at Totten Shores. They enjoyed grandchildren, church activities – and a wonderful social life. Barbara always found the 1st agate, the best wild blackberry patch, and was 1st to get into the cold saltwater for a swim! She was a gifted writer of poems, autobiographical short stories, devotions for church and midnight letters, leaving a precious legacy for our family. She also made the best lemon meringue pie on earth! After Garman died in 2009, Barbara decided living alone was not for her, moving to Alpine Way in Shelton in 2015.
Ninety-seven years of an amazing life for a beloved and loving, bright, independent, funny and feisty, courageous and determined lady. We will never stop missing and loving her. We are comforted and grateful she is home with Jesus in Heaven.
Barbara is survived by daughters: Heidi Anderson (Ward), Mary Little (Jim) and Barbara Van Patten (Allyn); grandchildren: Jocy McManus, Molly Kirk (Brian),Trent Anderson (Rabecca), Mark Greget (Jenn), Emily Greget; greatgrandchildren: Geoffrey, Chloe, Brendan, Finley, Summer, Skyler; First cousin Mary Lee Eden(close as a sister since earliest days); Stepchildren: Russell Andersen (Kim), Cheryl Brown, Howard Andersen (Dawn), and Rosemary Lakovich (John), and families.
Barbara will be buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle. In early summer there will be a celebration of Barbara’s life in Shelton.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18