Barbara Carol Anderson George

Barbara Carol (Anderson) George was born in Ellensburg, Washington to Bernard and Millie Marguerite (Wright) Anderson. She was raised with two siblings. She had one older brother, Harvey, and a younger sister, Charlotte. The family resided in many different areas in Washington State during her childhood.

She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. All of Barbara’s playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, she experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She was a child of the depression era and worked hard to participate to the family household by milking cows. A major accomplishment for Barbara was finishing high school.

Barbara graduated from Edmonds High School in 1944. Her favorite “study” was recess and any/ or any type of break for socializing. Her favorite teacher was the "last one", as she was now an official high school graduate! She continued on, after high school, and obtained her Associate Degree in Nursing. Her favorite professors couldn't be identified by her family except for the words she might have mentioned under her breath "a bunch of mean Nuns".

She never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. Barbara utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, her best friend was her sister, "Char". Later in life, she became friends with Cheryl Dalton, Arty Puckett, and Shirley Patton. Barbara loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

At work, as in life, Barbara was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Barbara was an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was a Registered Nurse, which she was employed by several different hospitals over the years.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made her very easy to approach. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in her marriage to Robert “Bob” Dewey George, married March 31, 1951 in Bothell, Washington.

Perhaps the reason Barbara related so well to her son was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself and remained a “kid at heart”. Bob and Barbara were blessed with one son, Greggory; daughter-in-law, Linda; two grandsons, Joshua and Evan. In passing, she was reunited with the love of her life and her husband, Bob, who passed away on March 24th, 2014.

Barbara was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Barbara's favorites was Lobo, a big hairy mutt. They were best friends for about 11 years. Her family was rounded out by her last dog, Buddy.

She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various activities. An “arts and crafts” type, Barbara liked creating. Her favorite pursuits were skiing, sailing, basket weaving, boating, pottery, and playing guitar. Barbara was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Barbara was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she had the opportunity, such as her beloved Mariner's. Because of her personality, her humor, and her ability to get along with everyone, Barbara's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. Throughout her later years, Barbara was an active member of the Vashon Red Hat Society, Eagles, and Elks Clubs.

Barbara believed that you had to experience life and her retirement from Three Tree Point in Burien and Vashon Island, Washington, was no different. When that day finally arrived in the 1970's, she took it in stride as one more way to have fun. In retirement, she found new pleasure in relocation to Vashon Island.

Barbara passed away on August 16, 2014 at Group Health Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington. After many years of heart issues, ultimately resulting in her passing from Congestive Heart Failure.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave in Edmonds, Washington on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 1-4PM.

Barbara's final wish was to be laid to rest in the Puget Sound, a special place where she and Bob spent time boating together.

To everyone around her, Barbara seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Barbara, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. She will be remembered with many smiles.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.