Barbara “Bobbi” Ann Offner

Barbara Ann Offner

Barbara “Bobbi” Ann Offner, 81, of Kirkland, Washington, entered into the presence of the Lord on April 7, 2026.

She was born on December 17, 1944, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Clarion and Kenneth Engstrom.  As a child, her involvement in her church laid the foundation for her life and faith in God.  In her youth she studied piano and was active in 4H which inspired her keen seamstress skills.  She attended high school in Chappell, Nebraska and Buffalo, Wyoming, graduating in1963.

Bobbi moved to Tacoma, Washington to attend Pacific Lutheran University, and after moving to Seattle she continued her education at Seattle Community College.  Influential to her faith journey, Bobbi began attending St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle where she developed many friendships that would last throughout her life.  In August 1969 she married David Offner, the father of her three children.  She then returned to Pacific Lutheran University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art in 1971.

Bobbi built a memorable career in hospitality, including time at Seattle’s iconic Space Needle and the Kingdome, before retiring as an office administrator from the University of Washington. Whether welcoming guests with her warmth and energy, she left a lasting impression on those around her.

She loved art, design and architecture, and was an enthusiastic patron of the Seattle Symphony. Bobbi loved the water and was a devoted swimmer in the waters of Lake Washington. Whether near river, lake or ocean, by raft, canoe or sailboat, she found joy in being on or near the water. She loved nature, road trips and an extended line of creatively named cats.  Bobbi was a familiar face on the Eastside thrift store circuit,  where her keen eye for treasures always led to delightful yet curious finds.  She remained active in her local church and found simple daily joys in sipping Diet Dr. Pepper from a glass full of ice and a fancy straw.

Innately creative, adventurous, caring, and enthusiastic, Bobbi lived a colorful and passionate life filled with art, music, humor, faith and love for her family and community.

She is survived by her children Kelsey Cochrane of Darien, CT, Heidi Offner of Marana, AZ, and Eric Offner of Norwalk, CT; her grandchildren Ryan Cochrane and Quinn Cochrane of Darien, CT; and her sister Elaine Engstrom of Coquitlam, BC.  Bobbi joins her parents Clarion and Kenneth Engstrom and brother Kendall Engstrom in Heaven.

A memorial service to celebrate Bobbi’s life will be held at a date to be determined.