Obituaries

Barbara Kostelyk

Obituary

Barbara Kostelyk went home to her Heavenly Father on October 29, 2022, following a four-year battle against breast cancer. She leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Jordy Kostelyk; son, Josh Kostelyk (Crystal); twin daughters, Heather Jacobo (Aaron) and Heidi Alaniz (Jesus); and six beloved grandchildren: Jack, Sebastian, Liam, Carson, Violet, and Max. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Darryl and Carolyn Belanich, and by her precious grandson, Josiah. Additionally, Barbara is survived by her two sisters, Deborah Hawley (David) and Patricia Andreasen; her two brothers, David Belanich (Tess) and John Belanich; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and too many friends to count. She was and always will be beloved by all who knew her.

Born on July 25, 1956, in Seattle, Barb was the second of five children, but exemplified a firstborn’s personality. She was a natural leader and role model. She grew up in Edmonds on 92nd Street, then later B Avenue, and graduated from Edmonds High School in 1974. In November 1975, she met her soon-to-be husband, Jordy, at Lamont’s in Lake Forest Park where they both worked. The two quickly fell in love. The following spring, they moved south to attend Genesis Bible College in Santa Rosa, CA, where Barb completed a one-year Bible program. She cherished this time in ministry and the memories she made there.

Barb and Jordy were married on July 23, 1977, at Chapel of Peace in Lynnwood. Over the next four years, they welcomed their three children, and Barb embraced motherhood with delight. She loved being a mama and raised her kids with wisdom, enthusiasm, authenticity, affection, and much laughter. She treasured family memories and cultivated a spirit of celebration in everything they did, even the mundane. Barb made everything special for her family: birthday parties, holidays, vacations, Christmas, baby showers, lazy Saturdays, and everything in between. She lit up every room, loved having fun, and her joy was contagious.

In 1991, Barb obtained her real estate license and worked as an agent/broker for almost thirty years. She enjoyed real estate and served her clients with dedication, wise counsel, and strong advocacy. In 2007, she became a grandma, and her world grew even richer with new loved ones to celebrate. She adored her grandchildren and carried the same joyful spirit of her mothering years into this new role. 

In addition to her family and friends, Barb also loved beautiful things, and she had impeccable taste. She enjoyed hobbies that allowed her to create beauty for others to enjoy. She sewed lovely dresses, blankets, and stuffed animals for her children and grandchildren. Her well-tended gardens always overflowed with color and life – she even won several municipal gardening awards in both Mill Creek and Edmonds! She absolutely loved to decorate; her home is still filled with her beautiful touch everywhere you look. She was a fantastic cook and loved to host parties and gatherings. She treasured all the memories she made with family, and poured her heart into creating a total of 18 scrapbooks for everyone to enjoy. In all of these pursuits, only one thing outshone Barb’s talents: her love for others and the happiness she felt in blessing them with beauty and fun.

Deeper still was Barb’s faith in Christ, which became her anchor and a profound well of joy through the many trials she endured. In the face of uncertainty, betrayal, and loss, her faith in God only grew stronger as she pressed more deeply into his goodness and presence with her. She loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength, all the way until the end. She was faithful unto death, and now wears a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). We praise God for his gift of eternal life through Jesus, as He now holds Barb in perfect love, healing, and joy until we see her again.

A service honoring Barb’s life will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Chapel of the Resurrection in Bothell, WA, with viewing from 11am to 1pm, service beginning at 1pm, and reception following. A separate burial service is planned for Tuesday, November 29, at 1pm at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery.