Mercer Island - After a life well lived Barbara passed away peacefully at home. Born in Bremerton to Clara and Harry Sorensen she grew up in the Great Depression and had nothing but wonderful memories of her childhood. She left to attend college at Western for 1 year transferring to the University of Washington where she earned a BA in Education. She taught in Edmonds and Seattle. She married Roy Veldee, also from Bremerton, in 1952 and they soon relocated to San Bernadino where he was a commissioned officer in the Air Force. She continued her teaching career there before they returned to Washington. Barbara and Roy started building their home and family upon their return with the birth of their daughter and son. They moved into their new home before completion in 1960 to work on it over time. It was a true labor of love and they lived out their lives there.

In 1969 Barbara returned to the University of Washington to pursue her master's in education which she obtained in 1970. She substituted in elementary schools in Bellevue and on Mercer Island, completing her teaching career as a teacher at Ardmore Elementary in Bellevue in 1990.

After her retirement she joined the Women's University Club where she was introduced to watercolor painting which became one of the great joys of her life. She found it both challenging and rewarding.

She was warm, caring and kind with a disarming sense of humor and a zest for all she did. She had a genuine interest in people, saw good in everyone and beauty in the most unexpected places. "Never pass up a chance to have fun" were words she lived by. Open to all kinds of adventure and experiences she lived her life to the fullest and especially relished time with friends and family.

She is survived by her daughter Terri (Daryl), son Mark (Megan), grandchildren Dan (Kat), Kim, Tom, great granddaughter Kennedy, 5 nieces, a nephew and many friends.

She will be dearly missed.