Barbara Thygesen

Barbara Thygesen, a beloved long-time member (since 1972) of Salem Friends Meeting, passed away on October 29, 2022. Barbara Autenrieth was born June 1, 1927 in Paulina, Iowa. Barbara was born into a family of Quakers and was a lifelong Quaker. Barbara worked for the American Friends Service Committee and while in Europe for AFSC met her future husband, Bent Thygesen from Denmark. In 1956 Barbara and Bent married, the first marriage to be recognized under the care of an unprogrammed Friends Meeting in Oregon. They had three children- Mari, Mark and Kristi.

Over the years Barbara participated in or acted as the Clerk of most committees at Salem Friends Meeting, including as Clerk of the Meeting. Barbara was a trusted member of the Meeting whom many attenders and members felt comfortable approaching for guidance, support and mentorship. As the pandemic and health concerns kept Barbara from physically joining the Meeting, she continued to engage through Zoom meetings, regular visits by Friends and friends to her apartment and continued to read, chat and engage in the happenings of the world around her. Her strong, but quiet presence was a backbone of Salem Friends Meeting for many years.