Obituary of Barbara Marie Okonek

Barbara M. Okonek, 89, passed away on April 26, 2017 at Mason General Hospital. She was born March 4, 1928 to George and Gladys (Carlson) Otto at the family home in Longbranch, WA. She graduated from Peninsula High School in 1946 and soon after married Richard Froehlich of Key Center, WA. A widow with two small children, she wed Edward J. Okonek of Grapeview, WA on October 19, 1951. They began their life together at their home on Cranberry Creek where Barb lived for 65 years. Barb was a full-time homemaker. She loved raising her family in the country, where there was always a cow, chickens and a huge garden. She enjoyed, canning, her flowers, sewing, and quilting. She belonged to the Pioneer School P.T.O., several card groups including Simpson Pinochle Club, Ladies' Auxiliary for the V.F.W., and the Shelton Senior Center. When she slowed down in later years, she enjoyed pinochle, slot machines, and the Mariners. She also spent many hours lovingly making afghans for family and friends, completing 29 in the past three years. Barb loved spending time with family and friends and couldn't have enough visits or warm fires in the old wood furnace. She was a kind and caring woman who always had a smile and was loved by all. Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Ed, her parents, and her brother, Dale. She is survived by sons Darald (Leann) Froehlich of Shelton and Bob (Song) Okonek of Ninilchik, Alaska; daughters Connie (Warren) Workman of Shelton and Linda (Greg) Walker of Olympia; grandchildren Matt (Elizabeth) Leonard; Jennifer Leonard, Emily (Leif) Walker, Kelsey (Allen) Froehlich, Jesse (Jennifer) Froehlich, Jamie Workman, Rachael and Rebecca Okonek; great-grandchildren Zach Leonard; Griffin, Lily and Max Walker-Harrison; sisters Lillian (Ray) Ellison and Jane Iversen, brother Dave (Judy) Otto and sister-in-law Betty Otto, and by many nieces and nephews. Barb will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Please join us for a celebration of her life on June 4, 2017, 1-3 pm at the family home.