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BARBARA BETH HARLAN
August 15, 1943 ~ April 21, 2013
Barbara Beth Harlan passed away peacefully on April 21, 2013, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born in Dexter, Iowa on August 15, 1943 to Ralph and Faye Harlan. She was the youngest in the family by 15 minutes, joining twin brother Bruce, and older brothers Keith and Roger. Barbara grew up in Winterset, Iowa, graduating from Winterset High School. She went on to complete her training at Iowa Methodist School of Nursing and beginning her career in health care as a Registered Nurse. Barbara married Richard Edwards in 1964 and they moved to Vancouver, Washington. They had three children: Richard II, Elizabeth and Alissa.
Barbara began working at Vancouver Memorial Hospital in the mid-1960's and she excelled in her career there, ultimately becoming Vice President of Nursing for both the Memorial and St. Joseph campuses. She was very proud to have been the first female Rotarian in Clark County.
She left Southwest Medical Center in 1988 to pursue her dream of owning a bed and breakfast. She owned The Boarding House bed & breakfast in Seaside, OR, until the late 90's when the arrival of her first grandchild called her back to Vancouver and she settled into her true purpose in life: being a grandmother.
Dylan was the first, who coined her nickname "Tita", followed by Alessandra, Maya, Rhys, Layla and Julianna, and these grandkids were the light of her life. She was always planning their next adventure, fixing their favorite meal or taking them to a movie. She loved attending their school performances, recitals, sporting events and those kids knew that Tita was always their biggest fan.
After returning to Vancouver, Barbara began working again at Southwest Washington Medical Center, ending up in the Clinical Documentation and Case Management departments. She loved her work and so enjoyed the people that she worked with, that at an age when many would have retired, she headed out the door to work each day with zeal.
Barbara attentively cultivated her friendships and her roses, and the blossoming of both brought her boundless joy. She was always on the go and we'll remember her speeding off in her beloved Mini with a broad grin on her face on her way to her next activity.
Barbara is survived by her children and their spouses: Richard (Irene Edwards), Elizabeth (Eric) Holmes and Alissa (David) Fencsik; her grandchildren; her brothers and their spouses; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much; and a vast network of friends and colleagues. We will all miss her so very much.
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude Dr. Michaelann Liss and to the staff on 3North at PeaceHealth Medical Center. Your loving, compassionate care made an impossible situation more bearable, thank you.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 27th at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow in Bradford Hall. To remember Barbara, the family suggests wearing the color lavender and bringing a book for a book swap, she loved passing along books she enjoyed and we hope her friends will continue the tradition.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's honor to the Pink Lemonade Project. She was a strong supporter of their programs advocating for women dealing with breast cancer. Donations made be sent to 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Ste. 102, Vancouver, WA 986600 or their website: http://www.pinklemonadeproject.org/index.shtml
Please sign Barbara's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barbara was a very special person, I miss her but my heart is full of memories.
Ann Jones
Friend
April 20, 2019
A special person...never forgotten!
LYNN Crawford
Friend
April 19, 2019
So sad to hear about Barb's passing, but I know she is soaring with the angels. We knew Barb through Columbia Presbyterian thirty years ago where we part of a couples group together. There was always love and acceptance, laughter and optimism in Barb's presence. She walked the talk of her Christian faith and we were lucky to be her friends. We think of those times and catching up periodically at the Bed and Breakfast with her with such joy and fun. Although we lost touch over the years, we remember her with fondness as if it were yesterday,when we read these comments of all those who loved her now and we send our condolences to her children and their families. She was an amazing blessing. Chris and Terry
Christine Fink
May 12, 2013
We met Barb as a neighbor, we babysit her kids. I ran into her a few years ago at Peacehealth and had the joy of reconnecting. We remember Barb with fondness.
The Newman Family
April 29, 2013
Her door was always open; her words and smile always welcoming; her wide-spread arms always offering safe harbor from the storm. Hers was a mission of service, compassion, healing, a beacon in the night. Barb, you were a blessing to so many . . . surely an angel among us.
Margot Day
April 29, 2013
Barb, You always left jobs,situations, persons,doctors,and loved ones,better than you found them.So folks,we all know our assignments! We love you Barb, David McCracken
April 28, 2013
My condolences. Barb was a friend over many years. Her love of life and caring for all was so appreciated. We spent much time recently discussing the variety of books we have or wish to read and of couse all things British and royal. I am sure she knew more than I who grew up in England. She will be srely missed by many of us.
Sylvia MacWilliams
April 28, 2013
It has been many years since we have seen each other but I fondly remember the times with Dick Edwards & Craig Edwards. When Craig & I were partners at Gilbert & Siebel Volkswagen. My condolences to your family-may you rest in peace Barbara.
Tom Fauvelle
April 27, 2013
My 1st day on the job, May of 1976 in ER at Vancouver memorial, Barb was the head nurse, and a seasoned veteran. After being introduced to this cheerful,kind soul with a servant's heart, my first patient came to the er, by private vehicle. There were no paramedics or 'hear systems', no 911. Most patients arrived un-announced.
this patient presented with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath. We determined that this was a spontaneous pneumothorax(collapsed lung). Barb very calmly helped me put in a chest tube to re-expand the collapsed lung. I thought, that was fun. We finished up the admit records, and my 2nd patient comes in, also with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath, diagnosis spontaneous pneumothorax, and another chest tube placement. So, the 1st 2 patients I saw in my 30 years working er here, were 2 patients with a collapsed lung. We shook our heads over this unusual coincidence. I'm not sure, but I may have not put in another chest tube in the following 30 years.
When ever we'd see each other we'd recall our 1st meeting and our de'ja vu' experience.
What a wonderful lady who touched my life in a very good way. Darrell Miller
April 27, 2013
Barb was a great colleague at SW. Washington Medical Center and a joy to work with. Thanks for the memories Barb. You will be missed.
Raelene Jarvis
April 27, 2013
We have very fond memories of
Barb and her generous hospitality. She was such a beautiful, fun, warm, and welcoming person. So sorry that we're not able to be there to honor her memory today. Will be wearing purple, though!
Kelly and Bruce Jennings
April 27, 2013
Barb and I met when our sons Skooter and RG were less than a year old and would have spaghetti-o's fights in their high chairs. A friendship developed that never waned - even though we both moved to different places. I always knew she was there in my heart as was I in hers - and of course her wonderful Christmas Letters were a source of family activities. Barb - like so many others I will miss you.
Corky McCaron Senecal
Corky Senecal
April 27, 2013
Talk about a giving person! We went to pick up medical duds for a Halloween costume and came home with a puppy! Barb's gift of hospitality extended to everyone, whether they visited her home, her bed and breakfast, or her presence wherever she might be. She made everyone feel special and blessed.
Mary Sisson
April 26, 2013
Barb was a role model for love, family, fun, selflessness, and purple. I loved and respected her so much. I miss her and think about her. I am proud she was my friend.
Beth Best
April 26, 2013
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Barb! My first experience was seeing her proudly wearing a funny hat at one of our many meetings! She always brought a smile to my face and a joy to be around! I will miss her dearly! May God bless her family and bring them peace during this time!
Terri Piedra
April 26, 2013
There will always be a light in my heart for my dear friend. She was the good standard for dignity and optimism in the face of adversity. I have no doubt that she is up there looking out for family and friends.
Lynn Crawford
April 26, 2013
Condolences to the family of Barbara, I went to High School with Barb in Winterset ,Iowa. WE were face book friends now. Sorry to hear of her passing.
Dee Thigpen (Grasty)
April 26, 2013
What a kind sweet soul we have lost. Barb always had a positive outlook on everything. She always liked to point out the "pearls" in our discussions in meetings at work, and praise everyone in successes. In February, she sent Valentine's cards to all the Coding staff. My father had just passed away, and she wrote to me "You are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Know you are cared for..." She was so very thoughtful. You are truly missed by so many
Chris Crockford
April 25, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Barb at a Pink Lemonade Project retreat. She brought a spunk and sass that made us all smile! She will be missed but left great memories.
Sherry Stose
April 25, 2013
I am so thankful that upon moving to Portland my Great Aunt Barbara took me under her wing and showed me around, making me feel so at home. She is a blessed, splendid, amazing soul. My favorite memory was Powell's bookstore with her. We spent well over an hour while she showed me her favorite sections, and books :) I am so thankful for seizing the opportunity to get to know her better than I had growing up. She gave me an entirely new outlook on life. Much love and respect to her equally amazing family.
Nicole Wagner
April 25, 2013
My prayers go out to all of you. Barbara and I began working at Memorial Hospital about the same time. My daughter Lisa has been
fortunate to have Barbara as her
mentor and friend since joining the case management team.
Barbara will be greatly missed.
Delores Prince
April 25, 2013
I met Barb at SWMC, now Peasehealth SW, and remember her when working cloest in the Care Management Department, as always being so wise and encouraging to all! I too am a breast cancer survivor and believe she is a winner! Won't be able to come to sevices, but will wear purple in her honor Saturday! Farewell, fellow fighter!
PEGGY RYDER
April 25, 2013
I worked with Barb for many years and will miss her a lot. She always had a smile and loved to talk about her family. Prayers and hugs to all her family.
Ann Jones
April 25, 2013
Barb was so easy to be with. She made me feel like I was the most important person in the room when we visited. A very special woman.
April 25, 2013
You will be missed greatly. Such a strong, intelligent, funny lady. You always hold a special place in my heart.
Andrea
April 25, 2013
Condolences to all the family...... You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat (Lane) Palma
April 25, 2013
Barb's sense of humor and lively spirit were wonderful. She was such a positive presence in my life and I will miss her very much.
Tammy S
April 25, 2013
a lovely funny lady who will always hold a special place in my heart
April 25, 2013
Barb was always quick with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. We go way back She worked with my Mother (Leontine Hook) at the old Memorial Hospital. She was a Wonderful Lady!
Linda Bleau
April 25, 2013
Barb was a hugely positive presence at First Congregational. We will miss her smile in our choir and her sense of humor. I will never forget her stories about her times running her B&B and how much she lit up when she talked about her family. Prayers to her family in this difficult time.
Greg Saum
April 25, 2013
David McCracken
April 25, 2013
Beth:
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It is very difficult to lose your mother at our age. Although you will miss her every moment of every day you have many fond memories to hold onto and to make you smile.
Lorrie (Flynn) Crawford
April 25, 2013
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