Barbara Ann Sundquist

Barbara Ann Sundquist of Bainbridge Island, Washington passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023. She was born in Norfolk Virginia on June 9, 1962. Barb was an inspiration to all who were lucky to have known her. Her infectious smile and sense of humor would immediately enamor her to just about anyone she would meet.

From very early on and throughout her life Barb, faced numerous and serious health issues, obstacles that she had to continually overcome. Despite these challenges and with the help of her parents and support of her family she managed to live a remarkably normal life. She graduated from Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA, benefitting from the wonderful special education program there. She was adored by her fellow students, and she became manager for the girl’s track team. She held a variety of

jobs throughout her working career as receptionist, food service employee for various school districts and nursing homes and clerk in her father’s shipping business. Her sunny disposition inspired her co-workers everywhere she went, and she gained many friends who enjoyed her company and sense of humor. After the death of her parents, she moved to Bainbridge Island WA, and with the loving support of her sisters Bonnie and Jeanie she lived independently for the first time in her life. She owned and maintained a cottage on the island and obtained employment in the island’s school district, at nursing homes. She also volunteered at Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce. Eventually, she moved into assisted living at Wyatt House where she found new friends who were lucky to spend time with her and benefitted from her presence in their lives.

Before her health problems got the best of her Barb enjoyed taking long walks, participating in People First activities and Special Olympic track and bowling. She would walk miles to the library to check out the books she enjoyed reading, especially Danielle Steele and James Patterson. She had a love for word search puzzles and would solve 1000’s of them in a year. She would, despite the consternation of her parents, board the casino buses to Atlantic City where she would spend time playing the nickel slots. She

loved playing Bingo and would proudly announce her recent winnings. She pored over the newspapers and had an uncanny knowledge of facts and events that would surprise. She loved spending fun times with her family and took many trips with them. Of all her passions, none were more enjoyable than her love of cats. She was “mother” to many feline companions over the years and she cared for them with love and joy.

Barb had many positive attributes. She was an ideal example of how to treat others. With an immediate smile and “hello” her kindness would disarm you and your mood would instantly brighten. She would write letters and cards to faraway friends and family which would gladden the heart. Her calls would always accurately report the local weather before asking ‘What’s new?’ and ‘have you seen any good movies lately’? They always closed with a cheerful ‘Have fun!` The most amazing thing about Barb was that despite the myriad of health challenges she would never complain or become disheartened. She would simply learn what she had to do and try her best to manage. She was a fighter and had a strong will to live the best life she could. To that end, she succeeded beyond all expectations.

Barb was predeceased by her parents Peggy and Odd Sundquist. She is survived by her sisters Bonnie Taylor and Jeanie Sundquist of Bainbridge Island, WA. Chris Lyons (Kevin) of Boston, MA, her brothers Bob Lauder (Carol) of Austin, TX, and Jim Sundquist (Ellen) of Colchester, VT, her niece Justine Taylor (Adrian Cox) and their son Sabin of Bainbride Island, WA, her nephew Eric Lyons of Seattle, WA and numerous cousins. 

To honor Barb, donations to PAWSBINK at https://pawsbink.org or mailed to P.O. Box 10811, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 or to Special Olympics would be most welcome.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at sister Bonnie Taylor’s residence on November 22, 2023 from 2PM to

4PM. For information on location please call 206-780-8859.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA