Barbara Jane Snellman

Passionately devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend set sail on her celestial journey February 13, 2010. She leaves ashore her beloved Finn, Mr. Robert V. Snellman, and Max, her cherished Jack Russell. Bidding her safe passage are her three surviving children and their families; Hollie Davis Bamford, her husband Mike and "Grams Bestest Boys" Matt, Pete, Kevin, Greg and his wife Tricia; Robin Davis Harren, her husband Patrick, Laura, Sean and Nora; John W. Davis, his wife Jenny and Cassidy. She was preceded in death by her son "Berk" Robert Berkeley Davis, Jr., and by her loyal pets Molo, Punky, 99, Beauty, Fred, Charlie, Bustifer, Pokey, Chester and Louie Louie. Born in Chicago in 1928, she spent her early childhood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Sherman, Texas. The hard times of the Great Depression and the Dustbowl of the Midwest forced a move to Santa Rosa, California financed by her elder sister LaDane, a successful vaudevillian dancer. She was a true "Okie, traveling to California crammed into the family "Hupmobile", and ridiculed at school for addressing her teachers as "Ma'am". Yet she and her family were resilient. Although her father had lost his position as an insurance accountant, her formidable mother "Moni" Maybelle Robberson supported the family by taking in boarders and running a hotdog stand adjacent to the local Ice Rink. She shared a room divided by a sheet with her sister LaDane and her brother Jack. She learned to appreciate what she had even if it meant her Christmas wish for a doll was granted instead with a pair of socks. She frequented the local matinee, swooned over Nelson Eddy, squirmed through the crowd to get a glimpse of FDR, discovered her musical gifts by studying piano with her WPA teacher and playing violin in her school orchestra, excelled in school and grew into a beautiful and vivacious redhead.Following the attack on Pearl Harbor she lied about her age and finagled employment as a typist at the Vallejo shipyards near San Francisco. In cahoots with her best friend Chloe, she would paint false seams on the back of her bare legs, sneak out to the rollicking military swing dances, and wow the sailors with her showmanship and skill.Barbara continued her musical career as the glamorous organist and vocalist at the elegant "Topaz Room" in Santa Rosa, and as an accompanist for her sister's dance school and the colorful county fair and rodeo. She loved and lost and gave birth to her firstborn daughter Hollace Jane in 1948. A few years later she embarked on her marriage to high school classmate and crush Robert "Bob" Davis, U.S. Air Force. She joined Bob in Libya, Africa with her small daughter for a three-year post ending with a sports car tour of a rebuilding Europe. By 1956 another daughter, Robin Frances, arrived as Bob completed training to join United Airlines as a pilot. In 1958 her son Robert Berkeley, Jr. "Berk" was born in Anaheim, California.She heard the call of the Northwest in 1962 and moved with her family to Normandy Park, Washington where she gave birth to her youngest child, John William. For the next several years she dedicated herself to raising lively children�introducing them to Royce's Sailing Illustrated, Snoqualmie and Hyak, the Seattle Symphony, Bassett hounds and rescue pets, Kalaloch, Schwinn bikes, the Okanogan, and Christmas popcorn strings. She fell in love with the beach and resolved to find a waterfront homestead. In 1974 her dream came true, and she moved with Bob Davis to Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island where she enjoyed the rest of her life.In 1982 Barbara lost her son Berk in an aviation accident and her marriage to Bob Davis. It was a terribly difficult time for her until she met the love of her life, Robert Snellman, at the Washington Athletic Club. "They touched on the dance floor and they knew" was their favorite description of the moment they fell in limitless love. Their passionate marriage endured for over 25 years. With Bob as her mate Barbara enjoyed a life of culture, adventure, friendship and fun. Their philanthropy public and personal was generous and genuine. For many years Barbara and Bob supported the Seattle Symphony, the Seattle Opera, children's music programs and the Bainbridge Island Library. Their hiking tales of the Shipwreck Trail and the Crazy Ladies are legendary. They kayaked, skied, biked and hiked. Their modest and shipshape condo in Sun Valley became a second home to them and they were frequent guests at "The Pioneer". They traveled extensively in Europe and loved nothing better than people watching in Paris with a good glass of French wine.Living on "The Beach" gave Barbara an endless source of contentment. She and Bob welcomed an array of colorful friends into their lives and home. She befriended and cared for the many elderly members of "The Beach Telegraph" as well as "Badfoot" the crippled Seagull. In 1971 she became "Grams" and for the next 29 years doted, cajoled, and reigned over her eight grandchildren.Barbara's last years were spent quietly on the beach although she remained a rabid fan of Husky football. She maintained close ties with her children and grandchildren never losing interest in their love lives, jobs and schooling. She was a cheerful friend and neighbor.During Barbara's extended illness Bob's love was steadfast and gentle. As her physical energy waned he never left her side. Our family is eternally grateful for his constant love and support.The family of Barbara invites her friends to a Celebration of Life Memorial Reception will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 2-4 PM at The Bainbridge Commons.In lieu of flowers please send a donation to your local public music school program. The family would like to thank the following people for their kind care during Barbara's final days: the staff of Island Rehabilitation, Lisa the physical therapist, Joyce and Linda of Abiding Home Care, Chris Adams, Theo and Linda.