Barbara was an amazing advocate for nursing and I feel blessed to have her as my nurse leader for 20 years before I left Kaiser/Group Health. Thank you for sharing her story. I knew she was amazing but only knew my perspective, she had a multifaceted life. My prayers to her family as you grieve your loss

Barbara Trehearne, just writing or saying her name, makes me come alive with honor, strength and steadfast passion for nursing. 
She was a good listener, and a tremendous leader. 
As Group Health was changing hands to Kaiser, Barbara hired a friend of mine Sally Fox and I, as consultants to gather nurse stories from the 67 years that Group Health was alive.   She loved reading the stories, and listening to them at story circles.  We made a small book called, "The Voice of Nursing, Living our Legacy and Creating Our Future. "    Barbara you are a cornerstone for what the true meaning of nursing is, may your name and great work live on forever, and may your friends, family and loved ones, smile at the memory of your warmth, leadership and greatness.   

I first met Dr. Trehearne in 2006 when she spoke in the RN-BSN class at Seattle Pacific University.  She spoke about what it looks like to be  a professional nurse. Our entire class sat in awe as we listened to her. Dr. Trehearne was the nurse we all hoped to be. She left an impression on each of us. Throughout our 2-year journey, we had many guest speakers, but Dr. Trehearne definitely left the biggest impression. 

Barbara  was a true icon and quintessential champion for nursing. Her exceptional intelligence, leadership, and wisdom will be missed by so many people and by the profession. I loved working with her as we established the Washington Center for Nursing and so much more. Her infectious sense of humor and bright smile always filled me with admiration and appreciation for the wonderful person she was. 

My deepest condolences. Barbara was a role model to me when I worked with her at Group Health. What an inspirational leader who was such a strong advocate, wicked smart and surprisingly  funny,  I’m so sorry to read of her passing. 

It was pure joy to have Barbara join the National Nursing Leadership Council at Kaiser Permanente (KP).  As the Chief Nurse for Group Health, she  freely shared her wisdom, insight, and caring with the KP nursing leaders who valued her participation.  Barbara never lost sight of advocating for patients, nursing staff, and the community.  She will be missed.

Blessings to the family.  May the many warm and loving memories of Barbara carry you through the difficult moments of wishing she were still with us all.

I was honored to have met Barbara during the National Nursing Leadership meetings.  I learned so much from her, she was an inspirational leader, always having time for a quick chat to help me through a sticky situation.  My heart goes out to all of you!💕

Barbara was a great role model for me. She showed me what a strong and passionate woman can accomplish. So fortunate to have worked with her and able to learn from her. She will be missed. 

Barbara brought goodness into the world through her example of leadership and caring for individuals.  She could see the big picture and still care about details and how things affected individual people.  She is truly a legend.  The person she is impressed itself on my practice and my person.  I thank you for sharing her with so many of us.  Blessings to you and may her memory bring you warmth and a smile until you meet her again.

Sadly I won’t be able to attend her memorial today.  It was a privilege to work so closely with Barbara (“BET”).  She was truly an inspiration to behold and continues to be a  guiding light in nursing leadership and life challenges for me.  Mary Jane Swedberg 

I’m going to miss my fearless friend. Barbara was a very special part of my nursing youth.  Upon returning to Seattle as well as “the Cooperative” we could continue our fun with buddies from our younger days. As referenced by another nurse post, she always had my back and the backs of nurses everywhere. May God bless Barbara and her family. Hoping there’s some peace in knowing she was respected and loved. 

I had the opportunity to work under Barbara for a short stint of time (considering her tenure with GH/KP), but one thing she always did was take time to chat, ask how you were doing, answer any questions (even teach you a thing or two), and just be a lovely person and approachable leader. Sending her circle light and love during this delicate time! Thank you for being so kind and sharing your passion and talents, Barbara! 

I am so sorry  to hear.   She was a mentor and a leader I admired.  She was generous with her time and advice.

She is a beacon of light and inspiration.  I am going to miss her wisdom and contribution to the nursing community.

Of course, how can I overlook her beautiful clothing and dressing style.  Provoking inspiration on many levels.

Feel very blessed to have known her both professionally and as a mentor.

My prayers and condolences to her family at this difficult time.

With much gratitude,

Sangeeta Saigal

Barbara had smarts, style, and grace.  The ultimate professional at work and always the best dressed person in the room. 


Barbara was my boss for 15 plus years.  It always felt like she cared about me as a person, not just an employee.  She challenged me to be a better person and strive for the right perspective in work and in life.  I will miss her.  Her presence in my life has been important.   My sincere condolences to the family.  She will always be with you.  

I was so sad to hear of Barbara's passing I knew her from working at Kaiser. She was a dynamic powerful woman, who deeply believed education is key for nursing success. she will be truly missed, My heart goes out to her family may she rest in peace.


Diane D'Ewart, Alice Lake and Carol Wilson
3/30/23
Colleague and Friend
We had the privilege of working with Barbara for over 30 years in Group Health and Kaiser.  We will never meet another nurse like Barbara.  She was wise, intelligent and fearless in her pursuit of what was best for patients.  Barbara saw beyond what existed to what could be to improve care for patients.

She was able to work with different disciplines at all levels creating cooperative relationships that allowed people to achieve new programs, such as care advice to patients by nursing, pharmacy and medical staff.

Barbara was a champion for nursing.  She could see past the traditional nursing roles, always with her eye on what was best for patients.

While working full time Barbara completed her Ph.D in nursing.  She inspired us and many others to improve professionally and
personally.  We are very proud to call her our friend and mentor.

It's hard to imagine a world without Barbara in it. Her fierce intellect and curiosity combined with her passion for the well being of patients and the nursing professional practice made her a rock star to so many. I felt incredibly proud to call her my boss on and off for over 25 years but even more blessed to call her a friend these last years of her life. Nichole and Nisa, my heart goes out to you. You and your families were always your mom's greatest joy.

Beth Alley

I met Barbara as a Group Health clinic nurse. She inspired me to be a better nurse. She was the first person to introduce "Best Practice" to me. She touched so many people with her genuine warmth and love of nursing.  A leader with a vision and passion for nursing. She made us all better people. A mentor like no other. This can only be a small snippet of Barbara the whole Human. She was so much more and will be missed immensely. 
Erin Torres 

Barbara was one of the most inspirational leaders that I have had the pleasure to work with in my career. I will always be gratefull and will remember her with respect and admiration. She has been in my thoughts often since her retirement. My condolences to the family.

Barbara was my closest friend in grade school and high school.  Many nights we spent at our homes just having fun and being girls;  I felt like I was part of the Ellis family and Barbara was part of mine.  We went our separate ways for college and adult life but we still had a connection whenever we got together—. I miss her and send my deepest condolences to Nikki, Boo, Barbara’s girls and their families. 
 I pray we meet again one day!!
Love you all—

So sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing.  She was the greatest Nursing leader I ever met.  An inspiration to all Registered Nurses and all others in the healthcare profession.

OBITUARY

Barbara Ellis Trehearne

July 13, 1948 – March 22, 2023

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