Barbara Jane Winther, 92, passed away on July 18, 2018 at her home on Bainbridge Island, WA where she lived since 1980. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Grant, her son Mikael, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Johnson of Goleta, CA.

Barbara was born on October 25, 1926 in Washington D.C. She spent her childhood living with her grandmother on an island in Maine. She graduated from University of California Los Angeles with a major in English and a minor in Art and received her teaching certificate from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Barbara was a lifelong learner, educator, and author. She was especially proud of the collaboration and “labor of love” she wrote with Mikael as illustrator titled Nobody but the Wind. This book honored the life of her late son, and Mikael’s brother, David Johnson.

Each of Barbara’s works reflected her interests, values, travels and many life experiences. She wrote books for all ages, fiction and nonfiction, as well as plays and musicals. Northwest and Southwest Native American cultures and art were of particular interest as an author and art collector.

Barbara and Grant loved to travel and made friends wherever they went. They especially enjoyed annual winter trips to Hawaii and a three month stay in Africa. Each year on their Christmas tree hung an ever-expanding collection of ornaments-special reminders of their travels. Barbara also treasured her globally collected earrings and, when prompted, was happy to share the details of where and when she acquired whichever unique pair she was wearing.

Barbara was an inspiration to all who knew her and was an active member of the community. She was dedicated to her book group, her writer’s group, Bainbridge Museum of Art, Bainbridge Performing Arts, the Bainbridge Symphony, the Bainbridge Island Historical Society, Kitsap Regional Library, Eagle Harbor Bookstore, Olympic Music Festival, the Society of Woman Geographers, South American Explorers Club, Bainbridge Multi-Cultural Group, the Bainbridge Island School District, the De Young Museum in San Francisco and much more. For many years she enjoyed playing tennis and going to Mariner’s games.

Barbara always “had one more book” to write, a testament to her longevity. Her final book is her soon-to-be published memoir.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 6-8pm at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.