Barbara Eva Steiner

Barbara Eva Brinster was born on September 16, 1921 in Hettinger County, N. Dakota to Katherine Decker and Rafael Brinster (the oldest of 11 children). Early years were spent on a farm, with horse and buggy transportation. She spoke German--only learning English when she started school. With the closest high school 25 miles away, and no bus service, her formal education ended at 8th grade. At 16 she was sent to live with an aunt in Minneapolis, where instead of attending high school she was sent to work. In 1940 she met Tony Steiner on a blind date. Infatuation lead to love and marriage on September 22, 1941 (a marriage lasting 57 years until Tony's death in 1999). During WWII Barbara, Tony and baby Kerby moved to Longview Washington. They worked hard together to build a strong marriage and a good life. In 1950, following the death of their second son Anthony to cancer, they moved to Portland Oregon. There they joined Holy Cross parish--a membership spanning 66 years. She was a devout Catholic, never missing Mass if possible, saying the rosary frequently, raising her seven children with Catholic School educations. She loved watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and develop--so proud of all their Barbara loved life, particularly enjoying family gatherings/celebrations, visiting relatives/friends, attending church activities, participating in Eagles events (holding various offices including president of the women's auxiliary). She LOVED needle crafts--especially quilting and cross stitching, making quilts for every member of the family, and charitable causes. She learned cross-stitching at the age of 80--enjoying that activity until the day she died. She died on October 17, 2016 at the age of 95. She is survived by a large, loving family. She will be missed by all who knew her. Service Information