Mary Barbara Van Buren

Barbara was born March 29, 1935, and lived her entire life in Oregon. She graduated with a degree in education from Marylhurst University and taught 2nd and 3rd grade until she married William “Bill” Van Buren on February 2, 1974. Barbara joined Bill and his son, William “Martin” Van Buren, Jr., and his daughter, Anne Marie Van Buren on a busy and thriving berry farm in east Multnomah County.

The life as a farm wife suited Barbara, where she dedicated her life to making a beautiful and welcoming home to all. She was known for her outstanding farm-to-table meals before they were even popular. Barbara and Bill hosted many large holiday gatherings through the years around the huge dining room table. Barbara’s large garden, the fruit trees and the farm provided plenty of delicious produce for canning, freezing and drying.

Her flower growing skills made the farmhouse one of the prettiest homes in East Multnomah County. Barbara was also very talented with needlework and woodworking. The walls of the farmhouse displayed many beautiful and intricate pieces on embroidery and fiber art. The hardwood floors and wood trim found in all the rooms were carefully sanded, stained and preserved by her hands.

Barbara loved going to the beach and the mountains. She loved camping, fishing, crabbing, clamming, collecting mushrooms and huckleberry picking. When Bill “retired” from farming in 2005, they traveled around Oregon in their camper and made yearly trips to Colorado to visit their two special grandkids, Roy and Maddie Davis.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Van Buren and her brother, Rev. Edward Altstock. Barbara is survived by her step son, William “Martin” Van Buren, step daughter, Anne Marie Davis (Robert Mace Davis) and two grand children, William “Roy” Davis and Madelyn “Maddie” Davis.

Funeral service will be at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes on Monday, July 10th, 11:00. Interment will be at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association, Oregon and SW Washington Chapter.