Barbara Jean Kidder

1931-2023

Beloved, inspirational psychotherapist, musician, mother & grandmother, Barbara Kidder passed away peacefully on January 28 at the age of 91. Raised in upstate New York, she attended Hartwick College, majoring in Mathematics and French. Shortly thereafter she met and married Eugene Kidder, her love and life partner. Early collaborations included urban ministry in New Haven and Saint Louis, where Barbara played organ and supported the congregation. They returned to Eugene’s native Seattle to join University Christian Church, where she became a congregational leader for over 65 years.

A profound lover of music, Barbara was an excellent organist, choral singer, and pianist, tackling compositions such as those of Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Gershwin. She was a staunch supporter of the arts, especially Orchestra Seattle and Seattle Chamber Singers. She was an avid hiker, traveler, and Pilates student, and an enthusiastic fan of puzzles, mysteries, and baseball (including the Brooklyn Dodgers). She loved to keep busy.

While raising four children--Marie, Paul, David, and Michael--she earned her master’s degree, enabling her to professionally practice family and group psychotherapy for decades. Her powerfully attentive, empathetic approach nourished scores of clients and earned her great acclaim.

In her final years, Barbara thrived under the love and care of the Echo Lake Family Home staff. She was a lively, endearing presence, listening sympathetically and singing joyfully to the end of her days.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Saturday, February 18, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Avenue N, Seattle.

Donations in Barbara’s name to an organization of one’s choosing are encouraged.