Daughter of Harriet Yoder Potts, granddaughter of John Plank Yoder (son of Elias Yoder, grandson of Bishop Jonathan Yoder of PA and IL)
Barbara Ellen Carlin
Carlin, Barbara Ellen 98 Nov. 05, 1912 May 06, 2011 Barbara Carlin, who taught for many years in Portland and many other Oregon schools, passed away peacefully in her sleep May 6, 2011, at age 98. As well as being a dedicated educator, Barbara was an avid golfer, excellent bridge player, devout member of St. Clare Catholic Church, volunteer and active member of many civic organizations. Born Nov. 5, 1912, in Portland, she lived her first 20 years in Metzger. She attended Beaverton High School, graduated from Tigard High School at age 16, and Pacific University at age 20, in 1933. She was awarded a master's degree in education from the University of Oregon in 1962. Barbara Potts' career as a dedicated educator and high school counselor began in 1933 on a houseboat in Smith River, Ore., earning $75 per month. She then taught in Hillsboro and in 1939 she moved to Bend to become a physical education teacher at BendHigh School. She met Edward "Ted" Carlin at Bend's famous Pine Tavern Restaurant and after an athletic-filled courtship of skiing, bowling, tennis and badminton (golf came later), they married in June 1941. Six months later Pearl Harbor swept them into the U.S. military, and they moved to Camp Lee, Va., and later to Greeley, Colo., where Ted oversaw prisoners of war. During this time they started their beloved family with the birth of Patricia Ann. Being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were the most important roles in Barbara's life. Patty was soon followed by Mary and son, Ted. After the war they moved to North Portland where they raised their children who all graduated from RooseveltHigh School. Barbara returned to the classroom to teach biology, health and science. Her teaching and counseling years at Jefferson and Madison high schools brought her joy and endless commendations from principals and students alike. She wanted to learn from and help others until her final days-offering to tutor and sponsor young people well into her 80s. Her husband Ted passed away in 1983. She missed him deeply and wished he had shared her enjoyment of family life passages. She continued the world travel they started for her remaining decades, traveling from the heart of Africa to the glaciers of New Zealand to the heights of Machu Picchu. Travel focused on family pride-visiting daughter Mary and son-in-law John, while they served as ambassadors in various posts and son Ted and daughter-in-law Phyllis, teaching in Europe for Department of Defense schools. Daughter and son-in-law, Patty and Marvin's, Washington, D.C., home was Barbara's hub for family celebrations. In addition to her children she is survived by her grand-children, Jason, Jeffrey, Michael and Heather Fabrikant (Ben Barry), Katie Forstrom (Michael Forstrom), Maureen (Ray Lau), John, Paul and Greg Yates; and great-grandchildren, Juliette and Gabriel Forstrom, Isabel Barry and Emma Peggy Lau, all of whom brought her great joy. A devout Catholic and active volunteer, Barbara was a member of St. Clare Church, who took communion to the homebound for years and volunteered at Loaves & Fishes. Her memberships included the Century Club for Women, Elks Widows, GlendaleGarden Club and many bridge groups over the decades, including a party on her 98th birthday. She was an active golfer for most of her life, a proud and deliberate putter, a member of the Red Tail Swingers, King City Belles and Lake Oswego Municipal Ladies Club. She played her last round of family golf in August 2010. At age 97, she beat her children and grandchildren while bowling at the White House. She was a member of the Royal Doulton Collectors Club and a lifelong supporter of the arts, theater, opera, symphony and film. As a 20 year participant in the OHSU Brain Study for the Aging, Barbara continued her life of service, learning and teaching. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2011, at St. Clare Catholic Church followed by a celebration of life reception at the Red Tail Golf Course Stock Pot Banquet Facility. In l ieu of flowers, please make remembrances to the Barbara Carlin and Mary Barbara Carlin Yates Scholarship Foundation at Oregon State University; Pacific University in Forest Grove; or to a favorite charity.