Barbara Ann Stone

Barbara Ann Stone was born in New York to Timothy and Mary (Redden) Caslin on March 17, 1932. Barbara was their second child after Thomas ("Tucker") and before Timothy Jr. and Lenora ("Lynn"). It was the time of the great depression. Tim was a recent immigrant from County Galway, Ireland, often unemployed, and the marriage was strained. Mary and Tim separated. Tim Caslin worked when he could as an automobile painter and eventually joined the army. He went overseas, serving in the North African campaign and the Normandy invasion, earning four Bronze Stars during the war.
Mary Redden Caslin married Joseph Sigmund Clein about 1936. They had four children: Joseph Jr., Winifred, Margaret ("Mikey"), and George. The blended family moved from Queens, New York to Edmonds, Washington around 1945. The same year, Barb's brother Tucker fell from a homemade raft into a swamp. He became very ill and died from pneumonia.
Despite the family's rocky start, the children were very close and depended on each other. Barbara attended Edmonds High School, where she was active in chorus, Vaudeville Club, Girls Glee Club, and Future Homemakers of America. She also sang in the Snohomish County Music Festival a few times. Along with helping to raise the family's "little kids" she did several odd jobs to earn money. She sold eggs and babysat, generously giving her younger siblings money to go to the movies on weekends. She made sure her brothers and sisters had baths, ironed their clothes, and that the girls had curly hair for church on Sundays. After graduation from Edmonds High in 1950, Barbara worked a few years at the SH Kress Company department store in Seattle.
In 1953 Barbara married Marvin Stone, a commercial fisherman and carpenter from a Norwegian family. The couple loved to dance and sightsee. They had two sons, Michael and Mark. After a few years living in California while Marvin chased albacore tuna, the family returned to Washington, settling down in Edmonds. Barbara's life always revolved around Marvin and taking care of the kids. Barb worked at United Pacific Insurance Company. She picked the kids up from her neighbor's houses each day after school. Marvin was often out to sea but she traveled the coast to meet him when he came to port.
A tireless worker, devoted wife, mother, and friend, Barb attended PTA meetings, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, worked full time for many years, and took care of the household. She was closely tied to her friends and family. As the matriarch of the "Clein Clan" she made sure everyone kept in touch. She loved to meet with her long time "Sewing Club" girlfriends. Barbara embraced her Irish heritage and her St. Patrick's Day birthday was always a celebration. After Marv retired they continued to enjoy their growing family, including six grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and so many great friends. Barb and Marv hosted many gatherings for holidays and special events. They owned a wonderful waterfront "cabin" on Hood Canal in Hansville, and winter home in Palm Desert, California.
Their home was always immaculate and Barb enjoyed decorating for festive occasions. She didn't smoke or drink alcohol but she liked to gamble, occasionally surprising Marvin with winnings from the casino. She suffered from insomnia and often read mystery novels or watched movies late into the night. Barbara was extremely organized, and kept track of Christmas, birthday, and anniversary cards for everyone she knew. Marvin's financial success allowed them to travel throughout the world together on many fantastic trips. They were truly blessed, with a life filled with love and joy. Marv and Barb were very happily married for 60 years.
Barbara started having serious health problems associated with diabetes in January, 2013. While she was hospitalized Marvin unexpectedly passed away. Barbara's health deteriorated but her spirit always remained strong. She died on February 12, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at: Edmonds Conference Center
201 4th Ave N,
Edmonds, WA 98020
Saturday, April 12, 2014, 12:00 to 3:00 PM. A buffet lunch will be served.

Donations may be made to:
Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation
PO Box 5371
Seattle, WA 98145-5005
In remembrance of Barbara A. Stone