Barbara Hagyard Mesdag

Barbara Hagyard MESDAG Passed away very peacefully in her home on Bainbridge Island on July 4. 2007 after 90 wonderful years. Barbara was born in Seattle on March 30 1917 to May Rowland and Dr. Charlton Hagyard. She attended McGilvra grade school, graduated from the Bush School and later moved to New York City to attend Parsons Art School. She loved living and studying art in New York, and her creativity flourished. After studying fashion design, she returned to Seattle to work at Best's Apparel (which later became Nordstrom's) in the advertising department as a fashion illustrator. During the Second World War, Barbara traveled to San Francisco to work. She and her sister also volunteered with the American Red Cross - although her favorite memories of this time were attending the officer parties which were always filled with laughter and glamour. She had a great zest for life and loved being around people. In 1951, Barbara returned to Seattle to marry her life-long love, Joseph Mesdag. They split their time between their homes on Bainbridge Island and Palm Springs. They enjoyed boating in the San Juan Islands during the summer, where she loved being surrounded by natural beauty. Barbara always looked foreword to return home to Bainbridge Island to enjoy her beautiful gardens, and her many friends. Barbara had an extraordinary passion for art and nature. She was an excellent artist and continued painting for many years. She always loved having her friends and nieces and nephews visit. Her house was always filled with warmth and her contagious laughter. She had a special ability to light up a room. Barbara was an extremely caring person and shared her enthusiasm for life with everyone that had contact with her. She was always available for insightful advice along with being a wonderful listener. She touched many lives with her love and generosity. Barbara was a founding member of the Charles Ford Orthopedic Guild for the benefit of Children's Hospital, the Arboretum Guild, and was a member of the Sunset Club, Seattle Tennis Club and Seattle Yacht Club. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Sally Osborne, David Hagyard, Laurie Dietz, Robby Dietz, Roger Winans, Wendy Okula, John N. Ritter and Kenneth Ritter, all of whom loved her dearly and will miss her wonderful humor and positive outlook on life. The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who looked after Barbara during her final years and became her close friends and companions. A Celebration of her Life will take place at the Seattle Tennis Club on July 27th at 12:30 p.m. Remembrances can be sent to the Children's Orthopedic Hospital or Hospice of Kitsap County, 3100 Bucklin Hill Rd., P.O. Box 3416, Silverdale, WA 98383.