Loving mother and pianist extraordinaire, Barbara Ann (Gilbertsen) Cashman died peacefully April 11, 2017 surrounded by her children at home in Federal Way, Wash. after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.
Barbara, 85, was born and raised in Grand Marais, Minnesota, growing up on Maple Hill, then later attending college and graduating with her master’s in music from the University of Minnesota. Remaining in Minneapolis, she joined the faculty of the McPhail College of Music. She then married Tom Cashman and moved to Billings, Montana.
After moving to the Seattle area in 1967 with her husband and three children, she began teaching private piano lessons from home. Barbara was soon sharing her musical talent with the music ministry of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Browns Point, her home church, for well over 30 years. Piano was her passion, and her career in accompanying and private teaching continued throughout her entire life. Barbara was also an avid, faithful Seattle Mariners fan.
Her parents Ardeen and Ann Gilbertsen, and her beloved brother Dick preceded Barbara in death. She is survived by her children Ann, Robin, and Mark (Michelle) Cashman, and their father, Tom Cashman; three grandchildren, Kyle (Melissa), Chris, and Carly Cashman; and a recent great-grandson, Kyle Jr., born last summer.
Her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 29 at St. George Episcopal Church in Maple Valley. The family would like to thank Franciscan Hospice for their loving care and support.
Cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, music maker, and dear friend – you shall be in our hearts and memories forever.
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