Barbara Porter, 82, a long time resident of Burlington and Lopez Island, Washington died Saturday the 26th of December 2015 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Barbara lost her long courageous struggle and twelve year battle with cancer. It was only through her unwavering faith and continuous optimism that she was able to continue, without complaint, her many complications and treatments. She was a compassionate nurse, wife, mother and grandmother and a friend to all. She will be forever missed and will remain unforgettable in our hearts.

Barbara was born in 1933 in Bellingham, Washington and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1951. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Public Health Degree from the University of Wash. in 1956.

On October 29, 1955 she married Robert Porter and they began a long and memorable sixty year marriage that was celebrated just recently with her family at Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. After her graduation from the U of W she joined her husband in Killeen, Texas where he was stationed with the U.S. Army Joint Forces Special Weapons Project at Gray Air Force Base. Barbara began her nursing career at Killeen General Hospital. After her husband was discharged they moved to Monroe, Wash. where she worked as a Public Health Nurse for the Snohomish County Health Department. In 1959 they moved to Burlington, Wash. and she continued her career as a school nurse with the Burlington-Edison School District.

The birth of two daughters began a few years as a stay at home mom. When she returned to nursing she was employed by the Skagit County Health Department and later as a school nurse for the LaConner, Conway and Mount Vernon school districts.

Barbara was an active competitive sports and outdoor enthusiast and always adventurous. She enjoyed skiing, camping, golf, gardening, fishing, boating in the San Juan Islands and her family. She was actively involved with Hospice on Lopez Island and was a long time member of the Lopez Island Golf Club and a volunteer with the San Juan County Land Bank. She attended the Lopez Island Community Church and was a member of the Allen Blanchard United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband Bob Porter and daughter Karla Jones and husband Kenneth of Anchorage, Alaska. Karen Yang and husband Russell of Honolulu, Hawaii. Grandchildren Daniel Jones, Abby Yang, Alex Yang and Andrew Yang. Niece Kelly Sooter and nephews Will Osbrink, Kevin Larson and Craig Larson.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Eva Larson, brother Howard Larson, sister Shirley Osbrink, grand daughter Emily Lynn Jones, niece Kristie Osbrink and nephew Kenny Larson.

A graveside service will be held later this spring for family and friends in Seattle at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara’s name may be given to:

National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, 2001 Beacon St. #104, Brighton, MA 02135 or Hospice of Lopez Island, P.O. Box 747, Lopez Island, WA 98261 or Lopez Island Community Church Elder Fund, 191 Lopez Road, Lopez Island, WA 98261