Barbara May Pifer-Bach

December 09, 1927 - April 22, 2016

Barbara May Pifer-Bach

December 09, 1927 - April 22, 2016

Obituary

Barbara May Pifer-Bach was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 9th, 1927, and was raised by her beloved parents, Roy & Irene Pifer, of Livonia Michigan. Barbara passed away peacefully in her home on April 22nd, 2016, in Kirkland, Washington at the age of 88.

As a young woman living in Detroit, Barbara met an aspiring artist, Robert James Bach, they fell madly in love and married in 1947. They built a home in Farmington, Michigan and raised three children together. Then, adventurous as they were, they immigrated to New Zealand to work, explore, and create in this far-off land. Returning to the states, they moved north to Glen Lake, Michigan and built a lovely home and studio on the lake. In 1980 they moved to Seattle, Washington to stay close to their children and their grandchildren to come.

After living and working in Seattle for 16 years, they relocated to the Bellingham area to retire and enjoy their golden years. They often combined travel with art, painting oils and watercolors throughout the Pacific Northwest and in France. The love of her life for over 60 years, Barbara’s husband Robert passed away in 2007. Barbara remained in Bellingham, living independently, until April of 2015, when her family helped her move to Kirkland, Washington to live out her last days.

Barbara was a talented artist. As a young woman, she enjoyed drawing, painting and making pottery. After moving to the Traverse City area in 1973, she opened her own pottery shop, Hummingbird Pottery, and over the years entered many shows and exhibits, displaying her works of art in galleries too numerous to mention. She was most well known for her bronze sculptures of later years. Working in her studio brought her many hours of fulfillment and joy.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and by her brother, Russell Pifer. She is survived by her daughter Diane Bach; her son James Bach; her son Thomas Bach; her brother Richard Pifer; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will also be very much missed by her dear friends Myra Zylstra, Ruth Rycroft, Beverley Rodriguez, Zeny Kreyer, and her niece Debbie Wright, who all meant so very much to her.

Everyone knew Barbara as a happy, kind-hearted and talented individual. She will be missed more than words can fully express.

An open-house celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, June 4th from 1pm to 4pm at Moles Farewell Tributes, on Lakeway Drive in Bellingham.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The National Resources Defense Council, Whatcom Hospice, Planned Parenthood, or a local charity of your choice.

Celebration Of Life

  • Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes- Bellingham
  • Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510

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10 responses to Barbara May Pifer-Bach

  1. I have so many joyful memories of this joyful woman! I met her while heading Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Both her and Bob were treasures. I can see her happy smile as I type these words. I moved away to Tacoma in 2000 and lost touch. But Barb will remain in my heart always. I send my condolences to your entire family.
    With love, Miriam

  2. Jodie Price says:

    Barbra was fun to “tool around” Skagit County to Spring Art shows, a few resturants and the Edison Museum and wood working shop.Blessings to her family and friends

  3. Myra Zylstra says:

    I knew Barbara for 35 years having met her and her husband in a neighborhood cafe we both frequented. Barbara was not only a gifted artist but a generous and kind spirit. We shared many interests including art, physical fitness, running, yoga, and all life’s joys and struggles in long conversations throughout the years. Barbara was always a champion for the underdog and the victimized. She despised injustice and wasn’t afraid to take a stand for what she felt was right. I miss her dearly and yet feel honored to have been a part of her journey, A truly good person and talented artist, I will always remember.

  4. We know this moment in time is a deep loss for those who knew Barbara personally. She was so charming and loving, and made our visits together into celebrations. We miss the times that we sat together, and dined together, and exchanged experiences face to face. Eventually we relocated in opposite directions. Though we settled down in distant cities, the letters and emails and family snapshots enabled us to be in touch, and Hiroko and Barbara shared their art every year via Christmas greetings. Realizing that it’s all over now brings sadness, but we will continue to remember and cherish our friendship with Barbara, reminded of it always by way of the delightful little hummingbird plaque hanging in our home, given to us when we laughed and hugged together years ago.

  5. Diane, we had the NAMI walk Saturday but wanted you and your family to know I was thinking of you over the weekend and hope that your event went as well as it could. The obituary was very nicely done and she had a very full life.Hugs to you –
    Morgan & Ed

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