Barbara Tucker Pearson

died peacefully in her home on November 3, 2010, from ovarian cancer.Barbara was born on July 23, 1947, in Everett, Washington, the daughter of Ken and Rita Tucker, and stepdaughter of Mary Tucker. She grew up in Everett, where she went to school at Immaculate Conception School and Everett High School. As a girl, she loved the beaches of Puget Sound and the tree-lined fairways of Everett Golf and Country Club, where her father was the pro for over forty years. Whenever she had the chance, she got on a horse.She later received degrees in history and education from the University of Washington and a Master of Social Work from Smith College. Barbara worked all her adult life to help neglected and abused children. In the late 70s she was Director of the Child Abuse Program at the Cook Inlet Native Association in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1980 she began working in Seattle at the Northwest Adoption Exchange, a several-state agency. She became the Executive Director and continued her career there until very recently, helping to place hundreds of children with adoptive families. Over the years she received local and national recognition for her work in child welfare.Barbara had an amazing energy and zest for life. She was a passionate horseback rider. She owned many horses and spent countless happy hours at Countryman Stables on Bainbridge Island. Her other strong interests included antiques, gardening, real estate, politics, books, art, and cats.All her life, Barbara cheered on her family, many friends, and the children with whom she worked. "You can do it" was her mantra, for herself and others. She never doubted this.Barbara is survived by her husband, Paul; her stepdaughters and spouses, Marin Millar and Michael Lawson, and Shelly and Joshua Masur; her grandchildren Julia, Noah, and Jacob Masur; her father, Ken Tucker and stepmother, Mary Tucker; her sisters Kathleen Tucker Brooks and Mary Tucker Helbach, and many other extended family.Donations in Barbara's memory can be made to Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library or Northwest Adoption Exchange.A memorial celebration will be held on November 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Wing Point Golf and Country Club on Bainbridge Island.