Barbara Ann Stone was born in New York to Timothy and Mary (Redden) Caslin on March 17, 1932. Her parents’ marriage didn’t last, and her mother was wed to Joseph Sigmund Clein in 1936.

Barbara attended Edmonds High School, where she was active in chorus, Vaudeville Club, Girls Glee Club, and Future Homemakers of America. She also sang in the Snohomish County Music Festival. Along with helping to raise the family’s “little kids,” she did several odd jobs to earn money. She sold eggs and babysat, generously giving her younger siblings money to go to the movies on weekends. She made sure her brothers and sisters had baths, their clothes were ironed, and that the girls had curly hair for church on Sundays.

After graduation from Edmonds High in 1950, Barbara worked a few years at the SH Kress Company department store in Seattle.

In 1953, Barbara married Marvin Stone, a commercial fisherman and carpenter from a Norwegian family. The couple loved to dance and sightsee. They had two sons, Michael and Mark.

After a few years living in California while Marvin chased albacore tuna, the family returned to Washington, settling down in Edmonds. Barb worked at United Pacific Insurance Company.

A tireless worker, devoted wife, mother, and friend, Barb attended PTA meetings, was a Cub Scout den mother, worked full time for many years, and took care of the household. She was closely tied to her friends and family.

As the matriarch of the “Clein Clan,” she made sure everyone kept in touch. She loved to meet with her long time “Sewing Club” girlfriends. Barbara embraced her Irish heritage and her St. Patrick’s Day birthday was always a celebration. Their home was always immaculate and Barb enjoyed decorating for festive occasions.

She didn’t smoke or drink alcohol but she liked to gamble, occasionally surprising Marvin with winnings from the casino. She suffered from insomnia and often read mystery novels or watched movies late into the night.

Barbara was extremely organized, and kept track of Christmas, birthday, and anniversary cards for everyone she knew.

Marvin’s financial success allowed them to travel throughout the world together on many fantastic trips. They were truly blessed, with a life filled with love and joy. Marv and Barb were very happily married for 60 years.

Barbara’s health deteriorated but her spirit always remained strong. She died on Feb. 12, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Edmonds Conference Center, 201 4th Ave. N, Edmonds on April 12, noon to 3 p.m. A buffet lunch will be served.

Donations may be made to: Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005, in remembrance of Barbara A. Stone.