Barbara Ann Hutton, a longtime resident of Whidbey Island, passed away peacefully after a long battle with breast cancer on Sept. 1, 2017. She leaves behind her loving husband Thomas Hutton of 63 years, as well as her son George Hutton, two daughters Janet Hutton and Gwen Hutton, her grandsons Peter Roberts and Timothy Roberts, daughter in-law Michelle Peticolas and son-in law Robert Roberts.

Barb was born Oct. 11, 1925 in Syracuse, N.Y. and raised in Monroe, N.Y. She was the eldest daughter of Charles and Betty Brooks.

Barbara graduated from Syracuse University and in 1950 received a Masters in occupational therapy from Tufts University. Barbara and her husband met in Seattle and were married in 1954 in Bellevue. Together they moved to Doylestown, Penn. where they raised their three children. In 1997, Barb and her husband retired to Whidbey Island where they would be closer to their grandchildren and the Pacific Northwest, which they enjoyed very much.

She worked at Children’s Hospital in Seattle, and in the Bucks County School System in Pennsylvania. She loved working with children and helping them overcome their disabilities and all of us admired her up beat attitude, energy and patience.

Barbara was passionate about her family, work, protecting the environment and advancing world peace. Her love of nature and eye for visual beauty was inherent in all she did. Barb was very artistic.

Barbara was active in the nonviolent protests and marches for peace in the 1960s, during the Vietnam war. Her passion continued when she moved to Whidbey Island and on most Saturdays in Bayview could be seen holding her signs for world peace.

In the 1960s she also encouraged women to join the equal rights movement for women. Barb volunteered for Planned Parenthood and other women’s forums.

When she and her husband moved to Whidbey Island, she joined walking groups, the Audubon Society, the hummingbird and bird feeders were always full. She was active in the Whidbey Island Weaver’s Guild. She joined the Unitarian church in Freeland and volunteered there as well. Barb’s father taught her to swim in a lake in Upstate New York. However, on Whidbey Island, she settled for the local pool. Barb loved lap swimming a few days a week.

Barb and her husband loved the outdoors. She loved vegetable gardening, growing flowers and cooking for her family. An outdoor enthusiast, Barb enjoyed, hiking, camping trips, travel and ski vacations with her grandsons and family. Barb and her husband traveled the world, on their own and with Elderhostel.

Barb attended the Seattle Opera often with Tom and Gwen. Barb loved the sets and the costumes. They had season tickets for over 12 years.

Barb was a kind and loving wife, mother and friend. She helped all those in need of support. Whether it was cleaning women who needed a job, anyone was worthy of Barb’s kind nature, as she touched so many. Adored by her family and friends, Barb brought love and laughter that we will hold in our hearts forever.

Memorials may be made to The National Audubon Society, www.audubon.org