Daily Sitka Sentinel

Barbara L. Arndt Dies; Former Sitkan was 69

Barbara L. Arndt

 

Barbara L. Arndt, a former Sitka resident, passed away peaceably on Oct. 15, 2021, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 69. Her passing was not COVID related.

Barb graduated from Sitka High School in 1970. She was Blatchley Middle School secretary until her retirement in 2002. She was fond of the students – “her kids” she called them. She also worked various bookkeeping jobs, and later found herself at the Airport Gift Shop, where she met her fiance, Peter Kashulines Sr. He resides in Windham, New Hampshire, on Cobbett’s Pond.

Barb soon spent most of her time with Pete in New Hampshire, basking in the warm summer sunshine and watching animals come and go, into the garden of course. She and Peter enjoyed autumn colors, and sometimes even the abundant winter snow! Spring meant preparing the garden, the promise of better weather, beekeeping and honey. They also enjoyed what they called “the Pond,” a spring-fed lake with water skiing and “Big Boy,” a fish that would meet Barb most mornings for a little snack.

Barb was also very proud to be from Alaska. She maintained her Alaska residency throughout, and had many conversations about those Alaskan roots with people she met in New Hampshire.

Barb was a generous, caring human being, slow to judge and finding the positive in any given situation.

Being a lifelong diabetic, Barb graciously helped other newly diagnosed diabetics navigate their way to a new normal.

Barb loved to craft and sew – Christmas ornaments, cross-stitching, Halloween decorations. She wasn’t afraid to make her own patterns, and would often alter store-bought clothes so they would fit “just right.”

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley V. and Elizabeth M. (Hohenleitner) Arndt.

She is survived by her fiance, Peter Kashulines Sr.; her brother, Bruce Arndt, and his wife Carolyn; her niece Chloe Arndt; and many friends.

Barb will be laid to rest near her mother in Sitka; memorial services are not yet decided. Those who would like to honor her life may do so by donating to Diabetic Alert Dogs of America, LLC.

Condolence cards may be sent to Peter Kashulines Sr., P.O. Box 164, Winham, NH 03087.