Barbara Rose (Bozak) Maki passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023, with her two daughters by her side. She courageously battled ALS the last two years.

Barbara was born Dec. 22, 1940, in Aberdeen, Washington and lived with her parents John and Mary Bozak and brother Richard. Her favorite activities growing up were razor clam digging, picking wild blackberries, playing cribbage, and going to movies, football games, and sock hop dances. She maintained lifelong friendships with many friends. Barbara graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1959 (a true Bobcat, recognized as Miss Football) and received her Associate degree from Grays Harbor College in 1961. She proudly graduated from the University of Washington in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration Accounting. She worked as an Accountant at Nalley’s Fine Foods in Tacoma.

Barbara met the love of her life, William “Bill” Richard Maki at a Latin club bake sale and started their lifelong journey together. They were married on June 22, 1963, one week after both graduating from the University of Washington. They were truly best friends and soul mates. In 1965 they moved to Tacoma after Bill finished graduate school at Oregon State University, and this was their home base where they raised their family.

Family was a cornerstone of Barbara’s life. She filled our daily life with her fun-loving, playful spirit and overflowing love. Road trips were Mom’s specialty and she collected and shared many souvenirs from these adventures. In 1975 the family joined a tennis club in Gig Harbor and her interest in tennis sparked the family’s love for the game. Barbara played over 35 years and provided endless support to her daughters throughout their tennis careers.

Barbara and Bill loved to travel and meet new people with journeys across the globe and all over the United States, stopping anywhere that was “world famous.” They shared a strong love for our country and nation’s history. Special destinations included Disneyland, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Sedona, New York, the PNW coast and Hawaii. Along with playing tennis and lunches with her tennis sisters, other hobbies included day trips, shopping, slot machines, caring for cats and birds, Husky/Seahawks football, Mariners baseball and all time with her grandkids.

She is survived by daughter Janelle (Darren) Dickerson, daughter Joanne (Carl) Kester, grandchildren Katie and Troy Kester and Thomas Dickerson III. She is also survived by brother Richard (Patricia) Bozak and sister-in-law Karen (Karl) Grimes, including many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends were the center of Barbara’s life and provided much joy and happiness.

Barbara was loved by all, cherished by many, and her physical presence will be deeply missed. She was an amazing caregiver for her beloved Bill prior to his passing. While her world was forever changed, Grammie B attended her grandkids school and sporting events, traveled with dear friends and family, and celebrated the holidays and special events with overflowing generosity of cards covered in stickers and double wrapped presents. Mom and Dad were so proud of the wonderful legacy they created. Her spirit is strong and remains with those that knew and loved her.

A beautiful private, family entombment was held at New Tacoma Cemeteries. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held for family and friends at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club (13204 Country Club Drive Southwest, Lakewood, Washington, 98498) on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s honor can be made to any animal charity, UW Medical Center or The ALS Association.