Barbara E. Dow, 83, a lifelong Skagit County resident, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon.
Barbara was born on April 13, 1934 in Bellingham, the only child of Hubert & Ruth (Mayfield) Evans. She was raised and attended school in Burlington, graduating from B-EHS with the class of 1952; she then briefly attended the University of Washington.
On September 13, 1953 Barb was united in marriage to Wilfrid Dow and they resided in Sedro-Woolley and started their family. In the mid 1960’s she attended Western Washington University where she earned a BA in education and taught grade school in the Sedro-Woolley School District for many years. From 1971 to 1988 the Dow family made their home in Burlington but Barb continued working for the Sedro Woolley School District, and after attaining her Master’s Degree she served as Principal for the Samish, Mary Purcell and Central grade schools, retiring in 1996.
Barb was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Allen Methodist Church, the Trinity United Presbyterian Church and was on the board for United General Hospital District 304. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling.
Barb is survived by her husband, Wilfrid; her children and their spouses, Bob & Patricia Dow and Beth & Bob Ward; five grandchildren, Meagan Schwab (Eric), Tara Jensen (Chris), Tasha Ward (partner Sarah), Barbara LeClair (Angelo) and Raj Dow; five beautiful great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Sedro-Woolley. Private family interment was held at the Greenhills Cemetery in Burlington. Memorials are suggested to the Sedro-Woolley Alumni & Schools Foundation, PO Box 509, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Service arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
So… when I was in 6th grade I had some issues. Mrs Dow was the principal. I wasn’t in the principal’s office often, so when I misbehaved and she called me in, I was terrified. And that was good. It was she that terrified me, however – I recall she was pretty nice.
So now, may years later, when a kid misbehaves in my classroom and I call them over, I remember the example that she, and many other educators, have set for me and I try to set an example for my students.
Mrs.Dow was my Sunday School teacher when I was little. She taught me “How Great Thou Art” To this day when I sing that song, I remember her. My thoughts and prayers to all the family of this wonderful lady.
Our thoughts are with all of your family. She was a wonderful lady.
Mrs. Dow was my oldest daughters teacher in Sedro Woolley. I absolutely loved her. She was so sweet and kind. My daughter is in here 50’s now. One evening My daughter and I went to The Outback for dinner. We had to sit a bit, so we were told to sit next to some ladies to wait. I looked over at the one lady who was talking and recognized her right away, especially her voice. I turned to her and said, “I remember you, You were my daughter’s teacher many years ago.” She said “I am so surprised that you recognized me, its been so long.” I said, “I never forget a great woman, one who’s made such a great impact on me” “I want to thank you so much for being such a great teacher and mentor, and she said, “I loved teaching and the kids. It was my pleasure” I gave her a hug when I left. Now I find out she has passed on, and I am so sad. I am so glad that I was able to see her one more time, tell her how much I admired her and could give her a hug. I will deeply miss her. I was hoping to see her again somewhere. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Her gifts of love to her family is evident by the wonderful people she raised. We hope you all have all all the comfort and support you need to get through the challenging times, now and in the future. All our love you you, Spark and Melissa Costales