Barbara "Saarinen" Jean Prince

Barbara Jean (Saarinen) Prince, 89, passed away May 25, 2017 in Olympia, Washington. She was born December 21, 1927 to George and Minnie Saarinen in Toledo, Washington. Over the years, she also lived in the Washington cities of Spokane, Pullman, Vader, Oakville, and Toledo. Barbara graduated from Toledo High School in 1945, and received a BS in Nursing from Washington State University in Pullman. She married Louis Prince on July 29, 1949 at Toledo Presbyterian Church. Professionally, Barbara worked as an RN at St. Luke Hospital in Spokane (1950-1953) and at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia (1960-1963); was a teacher at Maple Lane School in Grand Mound, Washington (1963-1966); was an RN/Staff Development Coordinator at St. Peter Hospital (1971-1989; and owned/operated a sewing school, “Stitches with Barbara” (1989-2000). Barbara had many loves, the top one being spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She also loved sewing and quilting; traveling with Lou; participating in 4-H, the Orthopedic Guild, nursing association luncheons, senior writing class; her flowers and seagulls. She was an active member of United Churches of Olympia, Children’s Hospital Guild, 4-H, and a breast cancer support group. Her grandma, Annie Heimen, said of Barbara, “I wish I had your sunny disposition. When I think of you, I think of your wonderful smile.” Barbara shared her sunshine with all those she met. She will be lovingly remembered. She is survived by her husband, Louis Prince; daughters, Leah (Tony) Capili and Anne (Milton) Lau; nine grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. Please leave memories of Barbara or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.