Barbara Lynne Acker

January 22, 1940 – April 28, 2024 - Barbara L. Acker, 84, of Lake Oswego, Oregon passed away on Sunday April 28, 2024, at Bonaventure of Tigard. Dementia-related complications caused her death. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Barbara was born on January 22, 1940, in New York City to Robert Edwin “Ed” and Marjorie (Kuhn) Wood. As a child, the family moved to Burlingame, California, where she graduated from high school. Barbara went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. Always an avid learner and traveler, it was on a ski trip in Austria where she met her travel partner for life, Norm Acker.

Barbara and Norm were married on September 11, 1965. They adopted two children: Brian Acker and Ellen Maxey (Acker). The family settled in southern California. The family enjoyed traveling together, and saw much of the United States, including all state parks of the American Southwest. They also bravely hiked the trails of Yosemite together.

Eventually settling in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Barbara quickly embraced everything Oregon. She enjoyed the state’s outdoor activities. She learned cross-country skiing, and she hiked the many well-known trails of the area. She also became a tour guide so she could share the sites and history with visitors. She made friends from around the world in this position, and some visitors returned to Oregon to stay at the family home.

We will all remember Barbara for her giving spirit. She had a generous “open home” policy to friends and neighbors. She was an excellent cook, and loved to share her creations with others. She actively volunteered in the community. And, she was a silent provider of comfort and care to those in need.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 42 years; Norm. She is survived by her son Brian Acker (Lisa Allen) of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and her daughter Ellen Maxey (Doug Maxey) of Gibson City, Illinois. She is also survived by granddaughters Audrey Maxey of Chicago, Illinois, and Wrigley Maxey of Gibson City, Illinois. In addition, she is survived by her dearest childhood friend Muriel “Myrt” Whitcomb of San Francisco, California.

Barbara’s love of golden retrievers and giving spirit can live on. If you are inclined, please feel free to send donations in her name to Guide Dogs for the Blind in Boring, Oregon. This organization’s mission is to enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of people who are blind, through the use of specially trained Guide Dogs.