December 11, 1940 – May 24, 2024

Barbara Jean Pickering, a cherished Lopez Island native and devoted community member, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love. Barbara was born and raised on the Goodrow family farm on Richardson Road, where she developed a strong work ethic and deep ties to her community from a young age.

As a teenager, Barbara worked at the Richardson Store and was actively involved in 4-H projects, demonstrating an early passion for both learning and community engagement. She excelled in school and took on various roles during her youth that shaped her future.

Barbara’s professional journey began at the Islander when it was Pantleys, and later she worked at the local post office and the Lopez Telephone Company. In partnership with her husband Dick Pickering, they purchased the Island Ready Mix business. Together, they also purchased and renovated the Pickering family farm on Fisherman Bay Road, where they raised their family in the same close-knit community they grew up in.

Barbara’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished, she founded the first catering business on Lopez Island and later established her own real estate firm. Her real estate career was a testament to her dedication and expertise, and she remained active in the field until her retirement in 2020.

Her commitment to Lopez Island extended far beyond her professional life. Barbara volunteered with the Lopez Union Cemetery for 50 years, playing a key role in numerous fundraising efforts. One of her proudest achievements was compiling and publishing the Lopez Island Cookbook with her dear friend Nikki Giard, a project that captured the essence of island life and brought the community together. She was also actively involved with the Lopez Preschool and Opalco Board. Her legacy of service and community spirit was clearly a cornerstone of her island life.

Barbara’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on Lopez Island. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Barbara is preceded in death by her loving parents Barney and Marguerite Goodrow and her sister Nancy Fowler. Barbara and her husband Dick Pickering are together in the ever-after. Barbara is survived by her Son and Daughter, Jeff and Jennifer, and their spouses Karlena and Esa, and her beloved grandchildren Risto, Nikki, Lena, Holly, and Hilary, and great-grandchildren Kennedy and Blake.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Islander on September 28th at 1:00 pm, and all who knew and loved Barbara are invited to join in honoring her remarkable life and contributions.

Barbara Jean Pickering’s legacy of service, kindness, and community spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. To share memories of Barbara, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/barbara-pickering