Barbara Louise Schielmann

The third of six children, Barbara was born in Seattle on April 23, 1946. The family relocated to Moses Lake, WA a few years later, where Barbara spent the remainder of her childhood. After graduating with honors from high school, Barbara wasted no time in returning to Seattle.

A self-described “joiner”, during her single years Barbara joined The Montaineers (for fresh air and exercise), the Sons of Norway (for folk dancing, which she considered her sport of choice), and volunteered occasionally at small businesses in her free time, most notably a pastry shop she referred to only as “Marcel’s”, where she learned the secrets to creating fabulous baked goods.

Friedel Schielmann talked Barbara into marrying him on April 14, 1972, and they moved to Lynnwood, WA shortly thereafter to raise a family. Never one to stay idle, once the children were out of infancy Barbara used techniques gained from Marcel to create and sell cakes to order. She also spent a few happy years as the school librarian at a small private school her children attended in Everett. Divorce became a reality in 1992.

After her second child graduated from high school, Barbara moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota to support her youngest, who was studying ballet in Winnipeg, Manitoba just north of the border in Canada. There followed a brief stint in Eugene, Oregon, whereafter Barbara decided enough was enough and returned once again to Seattle.

Faith in God was of great importance to Barbara throughout her life, and she approached the Bible with the heart of a true scholar. She had a gift for teaching that brought the Bible to life for many people. Barbara regularly taught adult Bible classes in her middle and late years, creating curricula that enabled others to see God’s Word as accessible and relevant. Despite her many accomplishments in other areas, she truly considered that to be her life’s work.

Of all her qualities, Barbara is perhaps best remembered by her friends and colleagues for her ability to encourage and support the people around her. For individuals who Barbara felt needed a special lift, she would create one of her “Sunshine Books”, a binder full of comical anecdotes, cartoons, and quotes she had collected over the years. Laughter with family and friends was greatly cherished by Barbara, and she enjoyed sharing that with others.

Barbara is survived by three of her five siblings (Greg, Phil, and Loretta), her three children (Eric, Nancy, and Monica), and two grandchildren (CatLinh and Jack).