Barbara Helen Green
Barbara H. (Hansen) Green, age 76, passed away May 4, 2015 at the Hospice of Spokane after losing a valiant struggle against complications of a stroke. The world is poorer for the loss of this wonderful, accomplished woman for whom descriptive superlatives would go on and on. Her smile, wit, intelligence and laughter will be happily remembered by all those fortunate enough to have known her even briefly. Barbara was born to Arthur and Lois Hansen June 14, 1938 in Wolf Point, Montana. She grew up in the Spokane Valley and graduated from Central Valley High School. She worked her way through the U of Washington when the nursing program took 5 years to earn a degree. As a young nurse she took a position with ARAMCO working in the Royal Saudi Hospital in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. From there she was able to visit Iran, Pakistan and numerous other exotic countries. During her 8 years there she married and became the proud mother of three children; Charles, Michael and Brian Halley. She returned to Spokane as a single mother with her three boys where she worked in the intensive care unit of Deaconess Hospital. She then became part of the original group who established the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit as its Nurse Director. In that capacity she wrote the patient teaching materials and conducted classes for patients. Introduced by a mutual friend to James (Jim) Green, what began as a friendship between two single parents, each with three children, eventually became the foundation for their strong, enduring love which united them in marriage, October 14 1983. Barbara relocated to Portland to be with Jim and then became the mother to six children. She provided the loving force that created one new family out of two separate ones. Her dedication to bettering everyone's lives was the force which bonded everyone through the occasionally difficult times not unknown to such a newly formed family. In addition to being a mother, she was the Patient Advocate at Emanuel Medical Center. While in this position she faced many challenges, particularly when the tragic climbing accident occurred on Mt Hood in May of 1986 with the students of the Oregon Episcopal School. Her organization, compassion and skill in assisting those in distress helped alleviate the suffering of others in so many difficult situations. Her work ethic was extraordinary. She finished her nursing career working with the American Red Cross retiring at the age of 72, not that she wanted any one to know her age. As a person who loved travel she intended to do more of it. Throughout her lifetime she visited Europe, the Middle East and Asia many, many times. It was during her last trip to Italy that she suffered a stroke on February 28th. Her family cannot thank the Italian medical/surgical community in Bologna enough for the extraordinary care she was provided without reservation or hesitation. Their treatment of her exemplifies the best in human caring towards others. She was transferred by air ambulance to Sacred Heart MC where her care continued. Sadly, all this effort was not successful. Barbara passed away peacefully and with dignity at the Hospice of Spokane on May 4th. Barbara was an exceptional person who accomplished much, but her family was the most important part of her life. The greatest source of pride and happiness for her were all her children and grandchildren. She leaves behind such an empty place in the hearts of all fortunate enough to have enjoyed her company. Barbara is survived by her grieving husband, Jim; sons, Charles, Mike and Brian Halley, and Glenn and Miles Green; daughter, Gwendolyn Green; grandchildren, Walker, Maggie and Anna Green, Sarah and Cody Halley; Joey and Isabel Diehl; Aden Halley; brother, David Hansen and sister Lois Hansen. Remembrances on behalf of Barbara can be made to the Hospice of Spokane or the charity of your choice. A private family service is being arranged.