Barbara Stuart

Barbara Stuart Barbara Ann Stuart passed away at her home in Eugene, Oregon on September 20th, 2015. *** Barbara was born on May 20th, 1949 in Corpus Christi Texas. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1973, and completed a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Portland in 1991. Over decades as a dedicated nurse Barbara worked in multiple roles, including as a home health nurse, an assistant professor of nursing, and for wonderful organizations that care for the severely disabled. Her stories of patient care, ranging from her work in ‘the projects’ in New Orleans to taking care of premature infants on a hospital ward, are tales that will be passed down through our family and amongst those who knew her. *** In 1974 she married Bryan Stuart after they met dealing cards at Harrah’s casino in Reno, as they both worked their way through degrees at the University of Nevada. After stints in Louisiana, Hawaii and California, the couple eventually settled in Oregon, where Barbara lived the last 36 years of her life. Bryan and Barbara were separated in the late 1980s, although they remained friends for life, as well as committed, loving parents to their two daughters Catherine and Jill. *** An avid traveller, Barbara cherished her memories of trips to the likes of Costa Rica, England, Vietnam and particularly China. A highlight of her life was a four month around the world trip with the floating university Semester at Sea in 2001. She read voraciously and loved to talk about anything from international politics to technology, culture, medicine, and current affairs. Art was a particular intrigue for her, and she found the stories behind the works of the likes of Klimt and Degas fascinating. Her insatiable interest in the world around us meant she was a constant learner and consumer of information; a true lifelong student and lover of knowledge. *** A real-life Dr Doolittle, Barbara loved animals of every fur or feather. From her first pet parakeet Peachy as a child, to her beloved dogs and cats later in life, to the ducks and geese that she fed on her lakeside patio in her final home, she offered kindness to (and received comfort from), all range of creatures. For many years she volunteered at the Audubon Society, and was the type to carefully escort a spider trapped in the bathtub safely to a tree outside. *** Alongside her contagious laugh, fun-loving nature, and outgoing character, Barbara also conversely struggled for many years with depression, as well as pain from a body that was starting to fail her far too young. A few months before she took her own life, she wrote a diary entry saying that, “I have had a great life with few regrets. I have been very lucky. 66 Years is a long time.” All those of us who care about her feel her life should have lasted far longer, and wish she could have received effective treatment with a very different outcome. However we hope that her suicide will help raise awareness and bring into light conversations about mental illness. *** Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Jill Stuart and Catherine Cherry, who would like to thank everyone who has helped them cope through this difficult time. *** We welcome everyone who knew Barbara to share their thoughts on this obituary, which will also serve as an ongoing memorial service dedicated to her memory.