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Barbara Boreson Obituary
August 26, 1931 ~ August 20, 2017
Barbara Jean Abbott Boreson died peacefully on August 20, 2017. She was born in Odessa, Missouri to John and Viola Abbott but the family soon moved to Seattle. As a child she was an accomplished tap dancer performing in local amateur parades, and later auditioned in Hollywood. She attended Queen Anne High School and the University of Washington where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. In 1953 she married Stan Boreson and they spent sixty-four years together while raising two children.
All who knew Barbara enjoyed her elegance, witty sense of humor, and her dedication to making others happy. She was the ultimate hostess, inspiring many incredible gatherings of friends and family for live music and laughs. She loved to sing and encouraged others to share in the fun. Barbara was a sports fanatic, rooting for any team from Seattle, but also adored a day at Long Acres track to watch her horses run. She was passionate about the holidays, decorating with flair, and never missed an opportunity to wish someone a happy birthday. She hated goodbyes, but often said she had the greatest life and "Never missed a comma."
Barbara was actively involved in many charities. She presided as President of the Rather 4 & 20 Board, was a member of the Easter Seal Society Board, University of Washington Alumni Board, and the Salvation Army Advisory Board, where she received the "Others Award" with her husband Stan. Barbara worked on the Governor's Committee to employ the Handicapped and was honored to be one of the first women to serve on the Savings Bank of Puget Sound board, now KeyBank. Later in life she became a corporate meeting planner and for over 25 years Barbara and her husband owned Boreson Tours. One of the greatest pleasures of her life was taking travelers on first class trips around the world.
Barbara is survived by her son Stan Boreson Jr. "Biff", daughter Ann Boreson (Mark McMillen), her sister Shirley Foy and sons John and Bob Foy, three grandchildren, Christine Braathen Tolson (Ryan Tolson), Melinda Braathen and Jamie Whitaker, two great grandchildren Felix and Julian Tolson, and close family Sharry Brown (Dick), Sandi Lindbeck, Michael Brown (Amy), and Amy Brown Goolsby (Rob).
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Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Boreson
Sponsored by The Family.
Bob Paine
August 21, 2024
I didn't have the blessing of meeting her in person but spoke with her on the phone on many occasions. Her passing, as well as Stan's, was a very sad time for me. I like to think that although I was not on par with Stan, that Barbara still appreciated my attempts at Swedish humor. Miss you, friends.+
Eileen O'Grady
August 21, 2022
The memory of your mom and dad will always inspire everything from a smile to a hearty laugh as I remember my youthful days of fun with you, Annie. My very best, with great fondness, to you, Mark, and your family.
Linda C
September 4, 2017
My husband, cousin and I attended Stan's memorial. I took music lessons through Stan. My cousin and I watched him every day on TV. We were glad to see Stan's wife. She was so gracious and wonderful to hear her talk of their life together.
So sorry that she past so soon after Stan. I know how hard that is for the family.
What a wonderful couple.
Eileen OGrady
September 4, 2017
A beautiful woman, inside and out. I was charmed by her and Stan, and her grace and generosity. Her glorious sense of humor and love for life inspired me and everyone whom she invited into their home.
My condolences to my dear friend Ann, and to Biff and the extended Boreson family. I will celebrate Barb and Stan and their joyful lives, as they would want.
Bob Paine
August 31, 2017
So sorry to learn of her passing but overjoyed to know she and Stan are reunited.
Leslie Clement
August 31, 2017
I was so taken aback when I read her obit yesterday morning. I had last seen Barbara Boreson at the MOHAI Memorial for Stan. She was vivacious and friendly and actively greeting all of us as we told her our stories of how she and Stan had guided our lives. I hope that her family knows that we are all so very sad & offer our sincere sympathy for their loss. She was truly one in a million and she touched us all with her joy of life.
Scott Blair
August 28, 2017
Ann and Biff,
Jaime (Young) Cornutt forwarded the link for your mom's obituary today. I was caught off-guard as she seemed so healthy and clear-thinking the last time I saw her. It makes me wonder if she died of a broken heart after the passing of your wonderful father.
Though I didn't know them well, like so many people in Seattle and at Prince of Peace, I was impacted by your folks in such a positive way. They were simply the kind of people you wanted to emulate. Always accepting, always loving, never saying a negative word about anybody and always gracious. They made you feel special even if they didn't really know you. What a gift. Their lives were a living standard of traditions to live by. They will both be missed. I look forward to seeing them both again when we all join our Lord.
Christine Fitch
August 28, 2017
So sad to have lost this lady. She was so nice. May she Rest In Peace..
Grant and Cheri Jensen
August 28, 2017
We have such great memories of all of our trips with Stan and Barb on the Boreson tours. Barbara was so organized, one classy lady, and Stan so funny as he entertained us all on the bus. One of my greatest pleasures was to help Stan get his accordian on, both on our trips, and when he entertained at the Evergreen State Fair. When he and Barb would sing "their" song, it was such a joy to see! They were so cute together. Grant grew up going to the same Calvary Lutheran church in Everett with Stan. We miss Stan's homemade blackberry pies, enjoying them at Boreson's Camano beach house. We will miss them both so much. Barbara, you and Stan left this world a better, happier place and we loved you both. Grant and Cheri Jensen
Linda Landin
August 28, 2017
What a classy lady and I was proud to have known her when I was a kid working at my dads grocery store where she and Stan shopped.
I was so please to talk to her at the Swedish Club where Stan was honored. The world is a better place to have had Stan and Barbara in it. Thank you Barbara and Stan, Linda Landin
Lynette Goad
August 27, 2017
I met Barbara when Stan was performing at the ECA. We chatted for awhile. She was very friendly and lovely. I'm so sorry for the family.
Jeris Underwood
August 27, 2017
I had the pleasure of meeting the Boresons in 2012 at a picnic in Gas Works Park for what we called "The Golden Age of Seattle Children's Television" - they were our honored guests there. It was potluck, and there she was, carrying her dish of goodies around, offering some to everybody. I told her she should sit down and let others work it, but she would have none of it! Reminded me of my Norwegian grandmother. RIP, dear lady, and condolences to your family. Give my best to Stan!
Leslie Miller
August 27, 2017
I remember meeting Barbara and Stan when I was about 8-9 years old. They would regularly visit my neighbors that lived in Everett. Thanks to them both for the fond memories and being role models for so many children.
Kathy Roach
August 27, 2017
So honored to get to meet Barbara and share a few 4th of Julys on Harry's deck with Any Brown. Condolences to her family.John and Kathy Roach
Trudy Talbott
August 27, 2017
Imagine my surprise, over 20 years ago, when I called the Boreson house, expecting to reach an answering machine, only to have Barbara answer it! She was delightful, we chatted for a half hour, reminising about the dogs and the old TV show. Later on, I met Stan (for the second time) and he said that she had told him about our conversation and that it had 'made her day'. Bless her memory, she will be missed!
Susi and Kevin Pettelle
August 27, 2017
So sad to hear this. What a wonderful woman with so many lives she has touched through the years.
Sending Stan, their family and so many friends so much love right now.
Wishing you peace,
love
Susi and Kevin Pettelle
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