Passed away on June 20, 2007 while at home in San Jose surrounded by loved ones after a long and heroic struggle against pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband Sid, daughter Nicole age 11, and son Justin age 8; her parents Don and Beth, brother Jeff, and niece Mary.
Barbara possessed a great life spirit. All that knew her felt a great warmth and energy from her. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people at a deep, personal level . This ultimately propelled her into a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This same skill helped her in her previous careers as a journalist and waitress, and as a volunteer at the Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Her great compassion and empathy were only matched by her creative energy, passion for fun, and her tremendous sense of humor. Barbara’s greatest joy was her kids, pouring out endless love and energy to nurture, protect, encourage and guide them. She will be deeply missed by her family, and by the many friends that she has made throughout her tragically short life.
Barbara was born in Berkeley, CA, but spent most of her life in the South Bay. She grew up in Saratoga and Morgan Hill, graduating from Live Oak High School and San Jose State University, with a bachelors and masters degree.
Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 7th, at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, located at 1146 University Avenue in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hacienda Involved Parents and Staff (HIPS), 1290 Kimberly Drive, San Jose, CA 95118 or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.
