Obituary of Eva Mae Barlin

Eva Mae Barlin, 89, of Olympia, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Eva was born on December 3, 1920, in Seattle, Washington to Richard and Mildred Soper. Eva was an only child and was the absolute joy in her parents’ lives. She was a true Daddy’s girl, and he doted on her. Eva was raised in Seattle and graduated from Foster High School at age 16. She attended business college and started her career working at an insurance company. Eva finished her career working for the Washington State Department of Transportation and retired in 1984.Eva married Herbert Oscar Barlin on February 27, 1946, in Sydney, Australia. Eva and Herbert met through a radio sponsored pen pal club when they were both 12 – Herbert was born and raised in Australia. Eva was Herbert’s sole contact while he was held in a German prison camp during World War II as they would not let the prisoners have contact with their families. Because of their unusual story, their wedding was quite an event and was covered by the local media. The first time they travelled back to the United States, the ship they were travelling on was full of war brides. Herbert was the only male war bride on board. Eva and Herbert lived in the United States and Australia at different times before permanently settling in Washington in 1953. Herbert passed away in February 1988. Eva is survived by her 5 children – Nancy Barlin, Richard Barlin (LaRene), George Barlin (Kay), Eva Stassen (Mike), and Jean Barlin; 6 grandchildren – Jennifer Barlin, Anitra Barlin (Joe), Jeremy Young (Stephanie), Eric Young, Chris Barlin, and Rebecca Barlin; and 4 great grandchildren – Braden Barlin, Reece Young, Brennen Young, and Vance Barlin. We loved our Mom dearly, and she will be greatly missed.