Barbara Jean Dunbar was born on January 19, 1934, in Utica, New York, to George and Mary Dunbar. Growing up in the majestic foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Barb's early years were filled with cheerful family gatherings and time spent with friends exploring the many mountain lakes dotting the forests around Inlet and Old Forge, where the fall colors are like no place else on earth.
In high school she waved her pom-poms cheerleading, marched in the Syracuse drum band and volunteered as a candy striper. Her love of physical activity became an integral part of her life. As a walker and a Jane Fonda exercise class leader, Barb's strength and stamina carried her well into her later years.
After graduating from St. Agnes High School in 1952, she met Chuck Somerville, a handsome U.S. Airman, at a dance in Utica. They married in the Utica Catholic Church in 1955 and Chuck's Airforce career moved them from New York to Texas to Germany, where their children Heidi and Dick were born. On a return to the states, David was born in Florida, then it was back to Germany and the challenges of being a non-German speaking young mother of three, far from her family.
After a final stint in Great Falls, Montana, Chuck retired from the Airforce in 1973, took a job with the U.S. Forest Service and the Somervilles finally settled in Petersburg, Alaska. Barb made friends quickly in Petersburg while working at the Cache before accepting a job at the National Bank of Alaska where she worked her way up from teller to Commercial Loan Officer. She loved working at the bank, serving friendly customers each day and building close friendships with the many wonderful ladies of Petersburg. Special celebratory events at work often carried on into the evenings, the room filled with laughter and shared stories she'd treasure her entire life.
Barb sold her Chevy station wagon in the late 70s and never owned another vehicle. She enjoyed stretching her legs each day with a short walk up to the Post Office and Hammer and Wikan, or down to the Trading Union where she would keep an eye out for coupons and sales. Barb loved to walk – with her friends and family, around the Sandy Beach loop, along Cabin Creek Road, from Libby' Straits to Scow Bay and on more challenging trails like Raven's Roost, Petersburg Mountain, Mendenhall Glacier, and Mount Roberts in Juneau.
Barb was a sweet, gentle, kind, thoughtful and caring woman. Quiet and soft spoken, she never raised her voice and rarely swore. She was devoted to the Catholic Church and baked goods for parish gatherings for nearly 50 years. Barb lived her life gracefully and was loved by many.
She rose to heaven on April 29, 2025 to be with God. She leaves her daughter Heidi (Carlos); sons Dick (Janice) and David (Tanya); grandkids, Maureen, Staci (Brian), Kevin and Cole (Hatsumi); great granddaughter Olivia; nieces Jacquie, Celeste (Ed), and Debbie; and her close companion, Cliff Douglas.
Please join family and friends for a Catholic memorial service at the Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of Barb's life at the ANB/John Hanson Hall at 2:00 p.m.
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