Barbara Clarke Stevenson

Barbara Clarke STEVENSON July 7, 1928 ~ July 3, 2011 Barb passed away peacefully, in her condo at Aljoya, a few days shy of her 83rd birthday. She was born in Wenatchee to Sam & Margaret Clarke, and had a very happy childhood with sisters Bev & Tish, and brother Sam, all who survive her. They lived in wonderful places: Orcas Island, Darrington and finally Bainbridge Island, where she graduated from high school in 1946. She majored in Education at the University of Washington, where she met Herb Stevenson, marrying him the day after they graduated in 1950. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta. Her loving marriage lasted 53 years; Herb passed away in 2002. Barb was so many things: a loving, inspiring (and fun!) mother and grandmother, a wonderful sister, a great Aunt & cousin, and a terrific friend. Also a volunteer in her community and at 1st Church of Christ, Scientist, and for the last few years an active and beloved resident of Aljoya. She has lived on Mercer Island since 1953. She founded Country Village Day School in 1971, and countless island children benefited from her wisdom and sense of fun. Mom and Dad raised four happy and grateful children in the Mercerdale neighborhood. They enjoyed travelling both before and after retirement, with favorite places being Maui and Sedona. Mostly, though, it seemed like they liked being at their beautiful home and surrounded by family. Missing her so much: her daughter Marilyn & husband Deane of Kirkland, daughter Cathy and son Bruce of Mercer Island, sons David & Tim of Yakima. She has 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. We are all going to find it so hard to live without her. A Memorial is planned for community & friends on July 16th, 1:00 p.m. at Aljoya, 2430 - 76 Avenue SE, Mercer Island, and a Family gathering at 3:00 p.m. the next day on Bainbridge Island. Email if you need info on either event to barb@designacom.com. Memorials to Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902.