Obituary of BARBARA ANN STETTIN

BARBARA ANN STETTIN, R.N. 'Dancing with Dad' Few people in this world are privileged to have such a beloved mother. Barbara Ann attended Holy Rosary, graduated from St. Leo's and received her nursing degree from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane. Barbara loved to dance and it was at a St. Martin's Dance where she met our dad Paul, the love of her life. The love that Barbara & Paul shared is an inspiration to those who knew them. Our dad passed away in 1983 and had she been a lesser woman, Barbara might have crumbled. But she had talent, energy, a dominating will and a work ethic that never waned. She never remarried, her husband would always be Paul and he lived through her children and grandchildren. Before starting in Pediatrics at St. Joseph's Hospital Barbara worked for Dr. David Hellyer. Our family spent many lazy summer days on his ranch before it became Pacific Northwest Trek. After 4 years in Pediatrics, Barbara spent 33 exciting years in the ER at St. Joes where she started the 'stuffed animals for kids'. For the past 8 years, Barbara has been with the Walter's Day Surgery Staff at St. Joes with her expertise in Pre-Op. We know they are struggling with this loss as she brought so much joy daily to their lives. She will forever be remembered for her selfless love of her family and friends and for the joy she brought to all who knew her. Family was her life and she made everyone family. Barbara was a woman of tremendous courage and generosity. Barbara enjoyed traveling-She loved Mexico and Cruising the Caribbean with her good friends Karen & Brian - reading, gardening, and a great bargain as well as getting a 'burger' with her brother Joe and his wife Kathy. She was a brilliant florist, owning Barbara's Bridal Bouquet as she made many brides happy with her creations. She was a donator of time and gifts at Christmas to struggling families only wanting in return of anything was a 'Thank You'. During her 68 years with us, she lived, shared and enriched our lives. She was our matriarch, who glued the family together and opened her home to so many- her children and their friends, for her own circle of many friends-her door was always open. Barbara passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on June 11, 2008 with her family at her side. Barbara is survived by her 4 children: son Carl & Luann Stettin; daughter Camille & William Camus; son Christopher & Rene` Stettin, daughter Charlene & Eric Piercy. Grandchildren: Madeline, Melinda, Amanda, Pauline, Emily, Christine, Paul, Mollie, and Maria. Barbara is also survived by her Brothers Joe, David and Jack, her sister Beverly. She was preceded in death by her father Charles and mother Rose. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to all who were with us to the very end & to the friends & staff at Walters, thank you for the parade of food that kept us going and able to spend the last 18 days with our mother. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 10am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. A rosary will be cited Friday, June 20, 2008 at 7pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Internment following reception at Calvary Cemetery. Remembrance to St. Vincent De Paul. The family would also like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Klatt & Dr. Senecal. Arrangements by Piper Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home 253-472-3353. Our dad always said, 'The reason their marriage worked so well was because Barbara made all the little decisions and he made all the big decisions and so far everything has been a little decision". On June 11, 2008-one day past their 47th wedding anniversary- Dad finally made his big decision.