Barbara Reynola Pakusich

(Barbara) Reynola Pakusich

Reynola was born on May 16, 1940 in Fairbanks, Alaska. The family moved back to her mother’s hometown, Othello, Washington when Reynola was still a preschooler. She graduated from St. Maries (Idaho) High School and attended Eastern Washington College, where she graduated with a degree in Education in Home Economics. She did graduate work at both Central Washington College and the University of Washington. She spent her entire teaching career of 30 years in the Sedro Woolley School District. She met and married her husband, John David Pakusich, also a teacher in the district. She taught Home Economics and, after receiving vocational endorsement, helped develop an early childhood experience for her high school students. After retirement, she expanded her interest in quilting and developed her unique design abilities. She became a much sought after quilt teacher and taught all over the United States along with several times in Great Britain. She published a book titled “Circle Play.” 

 David often warned novice quilters not to make their first quilt or they would become addicted. She belonged to several quilt groups. When not quilting, she loved to go fishing with David and enjoyed having several hunting dogs over the years. She was always an avid reader. She loved her walks along the Interurban Trail along Chuckanut Drive with her friends and their dogs. She valued friendships and family.

 She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Reynolds Wetzel, brother Norman Harlan, and stepfather Donald Wetzel. She is survived by her 4 generations of quilting cousins, her many students and quilting friends, her walking friends, and loving neighbors. She will be greatly missed by many.

 A memorial gathering will be held in the South Whatcom County Fire Station, 686 Chuckanut Drive, at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 13. Followed by a short walk along the trail and light refreshments.