Barbara Ann Legas, 1951-2024 Barbara Ann Legas, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024. She was born on August 29, 1951, in Arlington, Virginia, to parents William Wayne Curry and Virginia Gladys Benjamin. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her son, David, and her beloved Siamese, Manly. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Legas; their daughter, Sarah Arquitt (Josh) of Sedro-Woolley, Washington; and her cherished granddaughter, Victoria. She is also survived by her brothers, Bill Curry and Kevin Curry. Barbara grew up in Leesburg, Virginia, where she developed a love for Hardy Boys novels and had her first job picking strawberries at a local farm. In the summer of 1965, she moved with her brothers to Port Angeles, Washington. Barbara graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1970 and continued her education at Peninsula Community College before transferring to Central Washington University (CWU), where she earned her Bachelor of Education in 1974. While at CWU, Barbara met her future husband, Jerry, and they married on June 22, 1974, in Port Angeles. The couple lived there during the summer of their marriage before moving to Yakima in 1975, where Jerry finished his schooling. It was during this time that they welcomed Sandy, the first of their beloved Siamese cats. In 1976, Barbara and Jerry bought their home in Renton, where they lived for the remainder of their lives together. Their daughter, Sarah, was born that November, and their son, David, was born in July of 1979. Barbara started a licensed daycare with her sister-in-law, Leslie, but later transitioned to working at the local K-Mart. She left her job in July 1981 to care for David, who had health concerns and was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis (TS). Barbara became a dedicated advocate for TS, heavily involved with the National TS Association from 1982 to 1988. She chaired meetings, wrote newsletters, and even appeared on a talk show. Barbara also contributed to the United Way of Washington, helping assess community needs and allocate funds. In July 1984, Barbara began her career with the government at the Military Traffic Command. In 1985, she transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she worked in various capacities within the Hazardous Division (Superfund), the Waste Management Branch, Finance, and finally the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Barbara retired in October 2017 after a distinguished career, during which she was nominated as EPA's Secretary of the Year in 1992. Barbara's passion for volunteering and philanthropy was evident in her many contributions to charities, particularly Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. She was a historian in her own right, with a deep knowledge of George Washington and the American Revolutionary War. Barbara also volunteered at the Renton Civic Theatre and the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. Barbara's hobbies included reading, watching classic movies, embroidery, and crocheting. She delighted in making catnip mice for friend's and family's cats during the holidays. Barbara loved the Magnolia tree that Jerry planted for her in their front yard, inspired by a trip to the East Coast. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Location will be announced via Barbara’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the George Washington’s Mount Vernon in memory of Barbara.