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Barbara Guilfoil Obituary
Barbara O'Neal Guilfoil died peacefully at home on April 16, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was born March 4, 1931, in Seattle to Sylvia and James O'Neal. As a child, her family moved to San Francisco where she met her husband of 56 years, Thomas A. Guilfoil. A graduate of San Jose State, Barbara was an educator and a lifelong student. She taught in San Jose; Portland; Seattle; Indiatlantic, FL; University City, MO; and Kenmore, WA. She retired from the Northshore School District after 20 years at Lockwood Elementary School. She earned a Master's Degree from Washington University in St. Louis and was twice a Fulbright Scholar. During her Egyptian Fulbright, she had a life-changing experience as the guest of Jihan Sadat, then the First Lady of Egypt. She also did a Fulbright in Chengdu, China.
She was a woman of tremendous interests and enthusiasms. In her 50s, she convinced her husband Tom to buy a sailboat and, for the next 25 years, they were avid sailors. She used to say, "What better place to have a glass of wine?" In retirement, she and her husband spent much of their time attending Elderhostel programs around the world. A voracious reader, Barbara swapped books by the shopping bag full with other mystery fans. There was always another trip to go on, another cause towards which to lend her prodigious energy.
In retirement, Barbara and Tom relocated to Olympia, WA, from Seattle. She volunteered at the Children's Hospital Thrift Store, and was a member of the World Affairs Council. She kept the flame burning for many progressive causes and held a passion that put younger people to shame. She cared about social justice and rallied to its defense. This amazingly energetic woman is survived by her husband Tom, and her six children: Victoria, Elena, Martina (Abdul Alamin), James (Laura Bard), John, and Thomas; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition, there are multiple nieces, nephews and their offspring. She lived her life with a generosity of spirit. Her door was always open; a place was always available at her table. This very large family will miss her very large presence.
Funeral services will be private. A reception celebrating Barbara's life will be held at the Olympia Country Club on Sunday May 15, 2011, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Donations may be made to the Seattle Children's Hospital.
A guest book and further information is available at www.FuneralAlternatives.org Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington, 360-753-1065.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Guilfoil
Lynda Humphrey
April 18, 2019
I still can't believe that Barbara is not with us. I think of her often and the positive and thoughtful impact she had on me and so many other people.
Marianne Sao
May 9, 2011
Everyone should be so lucky to have a mother like Barbara. I fell lucky that she let me call her "Mom" and always felt so welcome and loved by her. Dinner at the Guilfoil's was always a culinary adventure—my first was a "gourmet" dinner of beef tongue. I wasn't so sure I made the right decision to stay, but have to say it was delightful! I think of her when I pass the offal section of any meat department! Barbara always took time to say more than hello and always listened with both ears. She was one righteous mother and I will miss her.
Barb with Ella after graduation from Whitman - 2004
wendy braden
April 29, 2011
So many memories when thinking of years at Lockwood shared with Barb and the families that were a part of PACE.
As one of the skilled and caring teachers that taught there I know she had an impact on many students. Our family is thankful that our daughter Ella was one of the lucky ones. We will treasure that Barb took time to stay in touch after retiring from teaching.
Pat Lee
April 25, 2011
Two of my boys were taught by Barbara in the PACE program (then called the Alternative Program) at Lockwood and she always welcomed everyone with a warm, sincere smile. She dealt with the parents as well as the children with respect. She was the only teacher that recognized a learning disability in my son and that turned out to be important in his future. She was amazing and I'm sure all of us parents recognized that!
David Tremaine
April 24, 2011
Barbara is deeply loved and respected by both Maria Elena and me. She was an outstanding global educator who unselfishly shared her international experiences with others. She was also a remarkable woman who valued learning and the child in all of us. It was our pleasure to spend many occasions with Tom and Barbara recapping what was going on in the world and nation. Our condolences to loving husband, Tom, and her 6 beautiful children and their families.
Norm Moudry
April 24, 2011
Barbara was always a kind and caring person and teacher when we worked together at Lockwood Elementary in Kenmore, WA.
When I was principal there in the early 70's, I hired her to teach in the newly formed Alternative Program (PACE).
Her creative mind and boundless energy helped develop the program into one that was a very positive experience for students and their parents.
Barbara touched so many young lives in many positive ways and was highly respected by those of us who were fortunate enough to work with her.
Norm Moudry (principal-retired)
Jane Weiss
April 24, 2011
I got to know Barbara in the Book Club with Lockwood gang: Judith, Catherine, and Robert! I learned so much about her and her passion for travel, for life, and for Tom and the children! She was an amazing woman! I am shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I will always think of her when I listen to NPR.
Lynda Humphrey
April 24, 2011
Barbara is one incredible woman. She taught at Lockwood Elementary where I was the Principal. She was truly an amazing teacher sharing her love of learning with the children, parents, and staff members. She had a great sense of social justice and also a great sense of class and sense of humor as well. She loved to travel and one time we met up in Guanajuato, Mexico in front of the Teatro Juarez! Her ever present smile and positive attitude is what I see when I think of Barbara. Her dedication to her own family, and to other people's children was paramount in her life. She is one amazing woman and will be very very missed, but very very fondly loved and remembered!
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