Barbara Ann Madsen Place

Lifelong Gresham resident, Barbara Madsen Place, passed away July 2 after a brief illness. She was born on February 9, 1927 in Gresham, Oregon. Barbara is survived by her children, Ron Place, Claudia Place, Karen Curry, her granddaughter Stacie Curry, her brother and sister-in-law Jim & Nancy Madsen, her sister Jean Kahr, her sisters-in-law Delores Kraii, Dianne Nagen, Evelyn Elliott and many loving relatives, friends and co-workers. Barbara’s husband of 64 years, Don Place, passed away in May of 2013.

Barbara grew up in Gresham on Regner Rd. on her parent’s farm. There she developed a group of friends she adored all her life. She helped keep the “Regner Road gang” in touch with each other throughout their lives and looked forward to the “Regner Road Picnic” each summer.

Barbara is the founder and was the long time administrator of Eastco Diversified Services, a non- profit agency dedicated to providing services to people with developmental disabilities. Barbara started Eastco Diversified Services in 1968 as MeRe Center, a private school for children with developmental disabilities. After her “retirement” from Eastco, she continued to work there part time for many more years.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on August 3, 2014 at the Lake House at Blue Lake Park from 1-3 pm. Please bring photos and fond memories to share.

Remembrances can be made to Eastco Diversified Services.