1931
2016
BARBARA HOLMBERG-MOSTOVOY
December 11, 1931 ~ January 19, 2016
Born the eldest daughter of Inez and Anthony Klein of Vancouver, WA, Barbara cherished family and her devoted husband, Sheldon Mostovoy. She also enjoyed enduring friendships through the Unitarian Church, the Vancouver High School 49ers, and her Artist's Way group, among others.
In 1952, Barbara married Fred Holmberg; in their years together they raised three children, David Holmberg (Madeleine), Lori Knudsen and Toni Holmberg (Brad).
After graduating from Portland State in 1969, Barbara began teaching Art at Adams High School in Portland, OR. In 1975, she married Shelly, gaining two additional sons, Steve (Cindy) and Greg Mostovoy.
Her career was highlighted by a Rockefeller grant to promote multi-cultural arts education nationally, and after earning a Masters degree from Loyola University Chicago, she returned to Madison High in Portland, retiring at 59.
Barbara and Shelly were intrepid travelers, taking in all 50 states, all of Canada and Mexico and many countries abroad. Each year she and Shelly created hand-made Christmas ornaments that reflected their year's travels.
In addition to her children and Shelly, she is survived by her brother, Robert Klein (Jane); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Williamson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., Feb. 20, 2016 at 2p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4504 E. 18th St., Vancouver, WA.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was so sorry to hear this news. I have fond memories of Barb & her family from 40 years ago.
Tode Oshin
February 3, 2016
Members of the Native American Art Council at the Portlandd Art Museum truly enjoyed the contributions of Barbara and enjoyed both Sheldon and Barbara as fellow members. Our condolences.
Liz Lambert
February 1, 2016
God will provide comfort for you at this time (Hosea 13:14).
February 1, 2016
Barb was one of the people that made Adams such a special place. I remember her art classes with great fondness. My talent was in writing but Barb taught me not to define or confine myself by labels--a message that has stayed with me. I hope her family will find solace in the fact Barb touched so many students with a lasting love of art and a broadening of our perspectives
Bette (Higgenbottom) Kennedy
February 1, 2016
Just a couple of days ago I reread Barb's letter to me from 1970 at John Adams high. I hadn't looked at her letter for decades but I saved it because it was the most encouraging, positive thing a teacher had ever said to me and it was life changing. It is the only thing I saved from my school years. What an amazing woman! Wow, I am so glad to have the wonderful experience of having her as a teacher and she also felt like a friend. My sympathies to her loving family.
Debbie Hatfield
January 31, 2016
Barb was an outstanding teacher, beloved by many students; she took some of us camping in the early years at Adams. She was a sunny, positive, caring and articulate being. My high school years were greatly enriched by her. Thank you, Barb, for all that you did for all those you taught.
Joni O'Donahue
January 31, 2016
Shelly, so sorry for your adjustment to unnatural world without Barbara. I loved her: her fun, wit, kindness and all the inspiration she was to me and our Artist's Way group. I know she's with you in your every thought and breath. Hugs&Love
Kathy & Jay Donaldson
January 28, 2016
Aunt Barbara-- thank you for all good memories. I know where start. all i know it was always alot fun coming up to grandma and grandpa, and we always had a family dinner at your house. I am glad that was important in our life. I also enjoyed looking forward to different ornaments we received at Christmas. Also knowing you as adult it was great. Love you always, Michelle
Michelle Bauer
January 28, 2016
Aunt Barbara__I have alot of good memories too share. Coming up too see grandma and grandpa then going to your house for a family sunday dinner, it was always so awesome that family was so important that was instilled in us as little children. Also i looked forward too our visits as a adult. Also i looked forward too our different ornament each every year i will cherish these always. Love you. Your niece Michelle
Michelle Bauer
January 28, 2016
I love the heart. Mom's artistic eye rubbed off and Shelly who made this lovely choice. I was so lucky to have such a loving mother and role model.
January 27, 2016
All of her many friends in our VHS Class of 49 will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Shelly and the rest of the family.
January 27, 2016
May the hope of seeing your dear loved one again in paradise console the sorrow in your hearts. John 6:40
Brenda
January 27, 2016
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