Barbara DeCaro (1954 - 2026), a deeply loved woman by any who knew her, left the land of the living on April 11, 2026.

A native of Fort Wayne, IN, longtime resident of Seattle, and recent resident of Arlington, Barbara will be celebrated for her indelible spirit, stewardship of parks, world travel, loyalty, kinship, and beloved family.  Barbara's life was a testament to the desire to see it all, learn, teach and the power of consistent, thoughtful advocacy.

She loved gardening, traveling the world, music (especially jazz) hiking and being outdoors near water and mountains. Barb dedicated her life to beautifying parks and providing outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.  Her biggest passion was botany and horticulture "There is a difference!" :)  

She worked for the Seattle Parks Department for over 35 years starting as a seasonal gardener with parks in her hometown of Fort Wayne, IN.  Barb grew up around a large family with 6 siblings (Mary, Tom, Bob, John, Billy and Carol) and many, many cousins.  She moved to Seattle in the late 1970s and began working with the Seattle Parks Department shortly thereafter, pausing only to finish her Bachelor(ette)'s degree at the University of Washington, to work for the Woodland Park Zoo and to retire.  

Barbara was a zealous advocate for access, art, and access to art.  After retiring, she became a member of the Northwest Art Alliance, often helping with their large "Best of the Northwest" shows at Magnuson Park Hangar 30.  She was also a board member and treasurer for the Arlington Arts Council where she wrote and received many grants to benefit local artists.  

She had a talent for stabilizing situations, dogged pursuit of what she thought was right and inspiring confidence in others to try new things.  Barbara loved presenting and her wine tours of Europe with Reggie and her friends. 

Left to honor her memory are her sons, Miles and Vincent, as well as the memory of her late daughter, Emily.  She is also survived by 4 of her siblings (Mary, Tom, Bob and Carol) and a large extended family, friends and co-conspirators.

Her immediate and extended family will continue to keep her spirit alive through stories of her life's journey.  Though our hearts ache with her passing, we take comfort in knowing that Barb is at peace and she passed away doing what she loved.  Her last act was providing service to others as an organ donor. 

Barbara will be remembered for her dedication to helping others, her infectious personality, lifetime of service to parks and her community service as a patron and advocate for art among many other things.

Her legacy will continue to inspire and she will be greatly missed.

May she rest in peace.

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