Barbara J. Dobson

Born in Seattle, Wash. Nov. 7, 1925, Barbara passed away March 24, 2015 at Maple Ridge in Freeland, Wash. where she had resided the last two years.

Barbara is survived by her niece, Arlene Swarm (Robert); two great nieces, Stephanie Joy and Kimberly Peterson; great-nephew, Erik Eikenberry and their families; and friends, Janeen and Harris Johnston. Barbara was preceded in death by her twin sister, Pat and her parents, William and Ruth Dobson.

Barbara’s parents first came to Whidbey Island in 1940, purchasing a home on Bush Point Road. They moved permanently to the island in 1975, and Barbara soon followed.

Barbara graduated Summa Cum Laude from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash. with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to earn two masters degrees from Stanford University in psychology and sociology, and another from George Washington University in Washington DC in public administration.

Barbara was a retired Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, and had served over 20 years. Upon her retirement in 1970, she went back to school and became a tax accountant. Barbara served many people on Whidbey Island over the years doing their taxes, both personal and businesses. Barbara was also one of the founding members of Soroptimist International on Whidbey Island. She was an avid reader and continued enjoying her books until she passed away.

Donations can be made to Whidbey General Hospital Hospice Program; Freeland Library; or Soroptomist International of Whidbey Island.