Barbara Ann Irwin

Barbara A. Irwin, a long time resident of Yakima, WA, died peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Barbara was born October 4, 1931 to Joseph P. Fischer and Eva Lacher Fischer in Trail City, South Dakota. She had 12 siblings, 10 brothers and 2 sisters. Barbara was the 11th child. Growing up on the farm, she considered herself the lucky one because she missed a lot of the hard work being one of the youngest. She often spoke of being so grateful to have had a very happy childhood. Growing vegetables in the garden and smoking meats on the farm was a tradition Barbara carried with her into adulthood, but she frequently pointed out how food didnt taste as good now as it did then on the farm. Barbara moved to Yakima, WA with her family in 1943 and in 1949 she met the love of her life, Louis W. Irwin. They married January 5, 1950 at St. Pauls Catholic Church in Yakima, WA and had 3 children, Dennis L Irwin (deceased), Beverly I. Asbury, and Diana L. Irwin. Her life was full, as was evident by the loving family she raised. She is survived by her two daughters, Beverly and Diana, daughter-in-law, Christine Bellemy, and 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren include: Leah A. Luher and Bryan I. Asbury, children of Beverly and Charles Asbury; Andrew and Stephanie Irwin, children of Dennis and Kelley Irwin; and Stephany and Eric Schmidt children of Christine Bellamy, wife of Dennis Irwin. Her great-grandchildren include: Ella and Emily Asbury of Bryan and Melissa Asbury; Addison, Brooklyn and Charolette Luher, children of Leah and Gavin Luher; and Corbin and Cassidy Schmidt, children of Stephany Schmidt. Barbara is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Fischer Johnson and husband, George Johnson of Sunnyside; two brothers: Al Fischer of Bellevue, WA; and Mike Fischer and wife Barbara of San Marcos, CA. She also has many special nephews, nieces and cousins. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Eva, one sister Christine Zimmerman and 8 brothers: Joe, Andrew, Anton, Casper, Leo, John, Frank and Adam. Barbara created a legacy throughout her life of what it looks like to love unconditionally and care for all those around her, near and far. In addition to her endless care as a wife, mother, sister and grandmother, anyone who knew Barbara knew of her love and dedication to the Lord and to the Catholic Church. She was a member of the Holy Family Parish since 1960 and was a part of the sewing group where she enjoyed sewing the vestments and banners. Her family cherished her as the keystone that upheld the family and often called her their guardian angel sent from heaven. Barbara spoke of her proudest family moments being the birth of her 3 children and being able to watch and care for them alongside her wonderful husband as they grew to be incredible adults whom she valued with all her heart. Celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary on January 5, 2000 in her home in Yakima with her family and was one of her most cherished family memories. A Funeral Service will be held in Vancouver, WA at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 1101 NE 112th Ave, on Friday, Feb 2, 2018 at 3pm. Following this event a Memorial Service will also be held in Yakima, WA at the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery, 1405 S. 24th Ave, on Saturday, Feb 3, 2018 at 11am.

Barbara Ann Irwin

October 4, 1931 - January 27, 2018