In loving memory
Barbara Jean Kersh
January 23, 1927 - December 29, 2009
Our Dearest Mother Barbara Jean Kersh peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in the early evening, by the side of her loving husband Bert. She died without pain from natural causes and her loving spirit now touches us, free and ever-present.
Barbara was born in Burlingame, California, to Ira and Sherlie Brown on January 23, 1927 where she grew up with her brother Joe and attended high school. She was graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a bachelor's degree in fine art prior to marrying her lifelong soulmate Bert Y. Kersh who also attended UCSB. "Brownie", as Barbara was nicknamed, and Bert met on the beach, fell in love immediately and this year were in their 60th year of marriage. Soon after their marriage, Barbara and Bert's life became very busy and full with the raising of their four children Todd, Pam, Lee and Scott in Monmouth, Oregon. She is survived by her family including her her loving husband, her children, their families and her many friends.
Barbara's artistic talents and incredible creativity never left her during her years of tenderly seeing her children through school and marriage. She drew and painted in the little spare time she had, always keenly aware of the colors, shapes, and patterns around her and in nature. She developed a keen interest in the applied arts exploring macrame, sewing and use of fabrics, eventually focusing on quilting as her primary medium. Geometric and abstract quilts of glorious color grace all the walls of her home located in the Capital Manor in Salem, Oregon where she volunteered her time to direct art shows. Her house was always decorated for the current seasonal festivities with Christmas being an especially joyous time for her. She enjoyed learning from her large circle of artist friends. Her love of gardening showed in the blossoming plants always present in and around her home.
Barbara's smile, laugh and continuously positive spirit will always be remembered. Her spirit and love of life was infectious and became her personal calling card. Her encouragement and guidance led her children to explore life and enjoy it to the fullest; she was the heart of the family.
She was never shy to try anything that life presented her. She overcame her fear of water and even enjoyed sailing...with a glass of wine. Barbara explored all parts of her beloved Oregon and many parts of the world while visiting her family. She carried a camera and a note pad wherever she could to document adventures and would often incorporate her vacation themes into her artwork. Whatever the sport or activity, Barbara was there to cheer her children on. She enjoyed the outdoors, and she especially loved being at the Oregon beach, spending hours beach combing for interesting driftwood and agates and just watching the sea.
Cooking, reading and spending time with friends brought her many pleasures. She belonged to the Social Hour Book Club of Monmouth. She was an active member of the P. E. O. Bert and Barbara are past members of Christ's Church in Monmouth which they attended for many years.
She is now in God's hands as one of his newest angels, and her spirit remains with us, daily and always. We all will miss her smile and laugh, but have gained great strength through those around us who have offered support. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at the Capital Manor in Salem, Oregon on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 2:00 PM. Her ashes will be interred at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Association during a private family service. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent in her name to the Capitol Manor Foundation or the P. E. O. Chapter AB Scholarship Fund.
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