Barbara D. Gunsul
February 15, 1926 - June 8, 2006
Obituary
Barbara D. GUNSUL
Barbara Jean Davis was born in Minneapolis, MN on February 15, 1926. She was the only child of Howard W. Davis born Edina, MO, and Jessie Murray born Duone, Scotland. She moved with her parents to the Seattle area for war work in 1942 where her father went into metal salvage for Boeing, and her mother, who had been trained by the original Kodak School in photo finishing, could find work anywhere and did so. Barbara attended Foster High School 1942-44, graduating in 44 where she dated her future husband, also a Foster Grad 44. She attended the U of W for one year then worked in the office of a laundry service. She boarded and roomed with her future husbands’ mother while he was overseas and adopted his siblings as her own. A year after his return from the service she married Alan L. W. Gunsul and was very helpful in realizing his dream of becoming a doctor. She worked at Boeing in blueprints when she was not pregnant with children, having four children during the school years. Also she became co-guardians of her husbands younger two siblings when her mother-in-law suddenly died of breast cancer. Later she had a fifth child.
Upon returning to SW King County she became very active in the community and school affairs. She was an avid supporter of the arts. Founding member of Normandy Park Congregational Church. Member of a Ruth School Guild and later the Board of Trustees, The Seattle Opeta Guild and Burlen Arts Festival Committees. Charter supporter of Seattle Repertory Theatre and an earty supporter of Seattle ACT. Twenty year supporter of Oregon Shakespeare Festivalln in Ashland, OR. She also enjoyed spectator sports, 20 years a Tyee at U of W, Attended Summer Olympics Games from 68 thru 04 except for Moscow 80, ”Carter’s Folly”, interest in Track & Field, also attended two wor1d Track and Field Championships, Rome and Edmonton. Charter subscriber and twenty year follower of the Seattle Seahawks. She was an avid and very capable sailor, enjoying sailing in the puget Sound, San Juans, and Canadian Waters.
Her father, a WW I Veteran of France twice gassed died 4/1/50. Her mother died 12/21/88 after a long active life as a wonderful ”Granner” to her grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her husband, Dr. Alan L.W. Gunsul; five children, Magen Nick, Alan Gina, Moira, Maude, Ian; six grandchildren, Kelly Marc, Leigh Joe, Cory, Riley, Ethan and Erin; also five great grandchildren Anna, Nicolas, Alexander, Alyssa, and Ryan; Four step-grandchildren, Kathryn, Sharon Bill, Brian Ashley, Don Becky and ten step-great-grandchildren, Kyndall, Jay, Wyatt, Clayton, Samantha, Brett, Madison, Sheridan, Darian and Dakota.
She lived in the same house for 48 years, having a full and active life. She loved to knit and to listen to music from swing and jazz to classical. She passed on many values to her family, friends, and colleagues.
The family will have a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, remembrances suggested to Highline Medical Center Foundation, 12844 Military Rd. S., Tukwila, WA 98168.
We were sorry to hear about the passing of your wife, Barbara and send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You had been our Doctor since 1966, when you diagnose my then 5 yr. old daughter, Debbie with Mono.
May all the memories you shared with your wife comfort you during this difficult time.
Our sincere sympathy,we miss seeing you & your wife at your old office in Burien!
My thoughts to the Gunsul family – I so remember the years Magen and I were chums in school – and always being amazed at what a dynamic woman her mom was – I think Magen took on a lot of her mom’s traits !! My mental image right now is Barbara and the Dr. cruising in one of those flashy red Plymouths….maybe the one with the push button transmission on the dash board !! My Best to all of you……..Pegi Kobela
Dr. Gunsul and family:
I just want to say I am sorry for your loss. May you find strength in the wonderful memories you and your family have built throughout your lives together.
Thank you Dr. Gunsul to both you and your wife’s loving service as our family’s doctor. Barbara added something very special to your practice. I know she will be missed by all of you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I remember Mrs. Gunsul as a kind and considerate doctor’s wife who was always pleasant and helpful when I called during the middle of the night, needed shots on weekends, or needed an extension of time to pay a bill. I admired her tremendously and know how much she will be missed by her family.
We are glad for all of the years of our friendship, starting with the original bridge nights started by you guys…way back when, then the NY’s eve fun times and the wine tasting parties at your home. It was our privilege to know Barb – we are saddened by her passing and keeping you in our thoughts.
sending good thoughts about Barbara. I remember her from when she worked in the office. Fun person. Theresa
Dr. Gunsul,
Knowing you as our family doctor, counseler, & comedian, we know Barbara lived a wonderful and exciting life.
Memories are the legacy of love.
Prayers,
Linda Hodgkinson Bulzomi
Please accept our deepest sympathies to your family.
To the family of Barbara Gunsul,
I offer my most sincere condolences upon your loss. I hope that this huge
void can eventually be filled with all of the wonderful memories of your long life to-
gether. Em & I started seeing Dr. Gunsul shortly before we were married, in November of 1960,
and remained his patients until his retirement. Our visits to his office were always
brightened when we saw Barbara there. I pray that you will find solace through this trying period, and comfort in the future.
Although I didn’t know Mrs. Gunsul personally, Dr. Gunsul was our family doctor for many years and he delivered my last two daughters, Dawn and Dorothy. My sympathy for your loss, Dr. Gunsul.
Diane Grimm Lewan
I have fond memories of Mrs. Gunsul during gatherings at the Gunsul home, at school musicals and Hi-Liners shows.
Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your Mom. Gerry and Laine Gilbert
Our sincere condolences to
you in your loss.
A Memory: In 1944, during the summer months, I babysat
for a lady and her baby who was living there plus the two smaller Gunsuls; in
their Foster home.
I am wondering if Barbara
were the the mother of that
baby? I was 14 years old at
the time. I imagined that
they were my children, taking the 3 month old baby and two smaller children for walks down to my home, close by the Foster High School and etc.
Maybe that was another gal
with a small baby?
Would like to hear from you –
Joan Morlin
Fond memories of Barb from Foster High School. She was a very active and interesting person! Never a dull moment when Barb was involved! We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Moira and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. “Barb” was so friendly to us as kids when we’d invade your house for those impromptu gatherings.
With our deepest sympathies, the Grays
Dr. G., Our thoughts are with you and your children along with happy memories of Barbara.
Norm & Jeanie Blacksher
2/27/06 She was my best friend, my lover, my wife, my helpmeet, I really feel incomplete without her. Thank you all for king words.
Dr Gunsul and family,
I was so saddened when I heard about Dr.losing his Barbara. I worked for
Dr. and with Barbara for 16 yrs which turned into one of the greatest times of my life. She was a grand lady and fun to work with. In many ways she was my mentor. She shared her husband with the many patients in his practice, and treasured the rest of there time with and for each other. They took time to establish family traditions. They were so kind to the Sullivan family, their employees and dedicated to the quality care for their patients. She was truly loved by all. We will remember her fondly. To Dr. and his family I have dear memories of all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jan and family
I am certain, when the rest of us arrive in heaven, the first thing we will hear is Mrs. Gunsul humming enthusiasticly, the entire score of a favorite musical.
Thank you Mrs. G for putting up with, and allowing me to spend so much of my childhood in your home, eating Twinkies, DingDongs, and sliding down the first spiral staircase I ever saw, playing knee football in the livingroom surrounded by expensive vases.What were we thinking?
To Dr. Gunsul, Ian, Alan, Magen, Moira, and Maude. our deepest sympathy and fond memories from Doug and the whole Sims family.
We were so sorry to hear of Barbs’ passing. She was a wonderful lady, true friend, and so dedicated to her husband and family. I always think of her when I hear someone humming. May time and memories fill the terrible void. God bless you and the family.
My heart goes out to the family in the loss of this
wonderful lady.
Dr. Gunsul, husband of Barbara was my personal doctor
since I was a very small child.
I knew their children from school.
Prayers – I did not know till now that she had passed.
Barbara D. Gunsul
Feb 15, 1926 – Jun 8, 2006