On January 6, 2009, Barbara Matthew Meyer died peacefully in her home in Olga, surrounded by loving friends. Barbara was born on May 27, 1918 in San Jose, California, the second child of Winfield Scott Jr. and Cornelia Comstock Matthew. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Hilliard Matthew.

Barbara graduated from San Jose State College, in 1940 with a B.A. in Commerce. Barbara held secretarial positions in San Francisco before moving to Carmel, CA in 1942 to work at the U.S. Naval Pre-Flight School, Del Monte. Childhood summers were spent with artist Aunt Catherine Comstock Seideneck in Carmel Valley. Barbara was married twice and loved her adventures dairy farming for twelve years in the Northwest. Barbara fell in love with Orcas Island during a visit in the 1950s and returned to settle permanently in 1965, at her home in Olga.

Artwork became a top interest during those years, with card designs and published booklets (cartoons) titled “Imagine My Surprise.” She studied at workshops with Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Brandt, Susan Canavarro, Charles Mulvey and Nancy Johnson of Carmel. She learned the sketchbook habit from these mentors. Her 30 or more sketchbooks expressed her joy over the San Juan Islands and her frequent trips back to California. She published two books of those sketches, first in 1996 titled “Sketching in the San Juans…and a Bit Beyond,” and later, “More Sketches…Carmel to Orcas Island.” Her second book included farm stories and cartoons of her Carmel years while working at the Pacific Grove School District from 1962 to 1964.

Barbara treasured her island friends and neighbors and gave thanks each day she was able to call Orcas Island her home for all those years, driving the same 1964 Dodge Dart station wagon, purchased brand-new the year before moving to her beautiful island.

Barbara is survived by her beloved niece, Susan (Larry) Matthew Hemstreet of Menlo Park, CA, nephew Kenneth (Andrea) Matthew of Myrtle Creek, OR, great nephew Tyler (Bracie) Hemstreet of Tacoma, WA, great nieces Lynsey and Allyson Hemstreet of San Mateo, CA and great, great niece Ava Hemstreet who she met for the first time eight days before her passing, gathering four generations together on Orcas. A heartfelt thank you to all her friends and caregivers who made it possible for Barbara to remain in her home until her death. She loved her island so much and she was thankful everyday to look out upon the water and watch nature in action. A gathering to celebrate to her life will be held at a later date in the spring.