Barbara Hawley Saario

Barbara Hawley Saario, age 63, of Sammamish, Wa. passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014 after a brief battle with an aggressive glioblastoma.

Barb was born in Seattle, Wa. September 15, 1950 to Royal and Eleanor Hawley. Her early years were spent on Mercer Island before the family moved to Mukilteo, WA.

She graduated from Cascade High School in Everett, WA in 1969? Barb attended WSU for a brief period before enrolling and graduating from the University of Washington. She also earned a Masters Degree in Librarian Science from the U of W.

Barb first taught science in the Lake Washington School District, then had a long and distinguished career as a librarian/media specialist in the Tahoma and Issaquah School Districts. She was the first librarian at Skyline High School and was a mentor to many librarians in the district.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 27 years, Ron Saario, her daughter, Kelsey Saario, her sister, Gretchen Hawley of Seattle and a number of nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Barb was an avid, gardener, knitter, skier, reader, and wonderful cook. She was happiest digging in the garden, sitting in her chair reading a good book, or zooming down a groomed run on a sunny day.

She was a wonderful compassionate, caring, and loving mother, wife and a competent professional. She enriched the lives of all of those she came in contact with.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held at Skyline High School on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11:00 am. in the theater and commons area. We hope to have access to the library Barb was so instrumental establishing.

The family suggests remembrances to the Tavon Center, a day program for young adults with disabilities that Kelsey has had the good fortune to attend for a number of years.

Special thanks to the staff at Marianwood Providence Point for the thoughtful care Barb received in her final weeks.