Barbara Stewart Skelly

Barbara Skelly, teacher, artist, scholar, sister, aunt and beloved wife, quietly passed away of natural causes at the age of 86.

Barbara was born in San Francisco, CA and joined her sister Carol to complete the Stewart family. Growing up in the city the girls had many adventures, from skating down the hills of the city to playing at Fleishhackers and spending hours at all the museums where Barbara found her love of art.

Barbara received her Bachelor’s degree in teaching from San Jose State University and with continued study obtained her Master’s in Art Therapy from John F. Kennedy. Barbara had many career journeys from teaching, working at EDD, Lawrence Livermore Lab, all while being an artist and then finding her most rewarding job as an Art Therapist at the San Francisco VA.

In the blessed year of 1960 Barbara enrolled for a class at the San Francisco Art Institute and there she met a fellow classmate and after a very short time, they bonded, bonded forever. It was a perfect match as Sam looked up to Barbara lovingly, but then he had no choice since she was much taller than he! A wonderful life they had together for an odd couple and they lived happily and successfully ever after.

Barbara was a student of life always curious, reading and learning, traveling through Europe and visiting her French cousins in Conques. She had a passion for cooking and loved to host her friends and family celebrating all of life’s blessings. Barbara was an ardent supporter of the arts always catching the most current shows in the many Bay Area Museums. Daily walks throughout their beloved neighborhood in the Oakland hills with sketchbook in hand. Her art took her through many different mediums from painting in oils to watercolor, charcoal and ink to creating and crafting intricate show pieces and every year we waited for the magical homemade Christmas cards that she and Sam made.

Now in the sad aftermath, all of Barbara’s friends and family are left with just their memories. Barbara is survived by her loving family, husband Sam of 58 years, sister Carol Swartz, niece Lisa Swartz, nephew Paul Swartz, cousin Wayne Mitchell, extended family and many treasured, lifelong dear friends.

To honor Barbara please enjoy a walk with nature, visit a museum (soon!) or make a donation in her name to something that she inspired in you. Our hearts are broken, we miss you dear one.