Life Influences...
Barbara Stuart
By Virginia Johnson
The most influential person in my church
life has been Barbara Stuart.
Her faith is strong and deep, and I enjoy
talking with her.
She is always kind and never puts anyone
down. She always has time to talk with anyone who needs
a listening ear.
In her work at Fishline, she shows
kindness and compassion to the clients. They still seek
her out for a chat.
Barbara came to Suquamish in March of
1963, when her husband Norm Stuart was called as Pastor
of our church. She was always helpful in Bazaars, Salad
Luncheons, Harvest Dinners, and any other activities of
the church. She taught Sunday School, was PTA
president, and even took her turn cleaning the church
when we couldn't afford a janitor.
Norm died in 1977, when youngest
son, David, was only eight years old. She had four
other children. Bill was married and Kate, Sue, and Jon
were teenagers. She raised them to be wonderful adults
with the same kind of caring and compassion that she has
always shown.
We have traveled many miles together and
she was always full of fun and a happy and interesting
companion.
I count her as one of my very best
friends, and we continue to share in each others lives.
