Irene E. Barnard

On Saturday, October 17, 2020, Irene E. Barnard (aka Mrs. B) passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family at the age of 73.

Irene was born on March 10, 1947, in Portland, OR to Glen and Pauline Abbott. She attended Madison High School then earned her Bachelor’s degree from Portland State College in 1969. She began teaching
that same year in Newberg School District, where she taught kindergarten, primary, 1st, and 2nd graders
for 34 years. Irene married Donald G. Barnard on August 15, 1969 and they raised two children together.

Following her career as a teacher, Irene was a volunteer coordinator for the SMART program at Edwards Elementary. Irene loved to quilt; quilts bring comfort, warmth, and love and so did Irene. Irene made quilts for babies, retirements, grandmas, and marriages. She made quilts for her husband, children, beloved grandchildren, and cherished friends. Her legacy of quilts should serve as a reminder of how great love can stitch pieces together to create something strong and truly beautiful.

Irene was preceded in death by her mother, stepmother, father, and sister. She is survived by her husband, Don, two children, Scott and Sarah, daughter-in-law, Lisa, two sisters, Alice and Margaret, and grandsons Braden, Torin, and Jhonas.

A service is being planned for the spring; please visit www.johnsoncelebrations. com for further information. In lieu of flowers, please donate to SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) of Oregon.