Barbara Jean Robinson

Barbara Jean Robinson was a resident of Live Oak for 41 years. A civic-minded volunteer, Barbara spent many hours bookbinding for the friends of the library. Barbara served on a board for the Salvation Army, and invested 8+ years as a dependable, delightful docent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Barbara served as a Grand Juror... twice. Barbara participated regularly at the London Nelson Senior Aerobics Class. Barbara loved the Shadowbrook Lodge, held her wedding rehearsal dinner at The Crow’s Nest, and was a fan of Capitola’s See's Candies and Carpo’s. Barbara never missed the annual SC Hearts for the Art’s Gala, bidding on artful artifacts that delighted her eye. Barbara enjoyed a warm and wonderful Tri-lingual friendship with fellow scholar/professional Don at work, and the ever-pragmatic perspective of friend/neighbor/carpenter/artist Steve. In her new home the kindness, gentle nature and honesty of her friend and neighbor Mike-and Max the dog-was greatly appreciated. Thank you Matt and Tina, for advice, guidance and kindness. At graduation Barbara received a triple degree - political science, English, and Art - from the U of I (go Hawkeyes!) Barbara spoke fluent Spanish, French, and passable Italian and German. After College Barbara taught Elementary Students in MN, and was a proof-reader for a California Daily Newspaper. Barbara was an ex-pat for 7 years. discovering and exploring Europe. Anglophile Barbara loved the United Kingdom, especially London. Barbara was also fond of the Hawaiian Islands, Kihei her favorite. Barbara’s professional career required travel, training and many year-long details, including a stint in Washington D.C. As a young girl Barbara toured the FBI facility and was crushed to hear “Women can’t be FBI agents.” Her 30 years of success climbing the ranks of the Treasury Department was her classy response. While stationed in D.C. Barbara often enjoyed conversations with a very convivial and charming William Jefferson Clinton, Who from time to time dropped by and chatted with his Special Task Force. Growing up with a Quarterback brother and cheerleader sister, Barbara grew to love sports, supporting the Raiders, A’s, Giants, and 49ers. Greatest-wide-receiver-of-all-time Jerry Rice. hugged her twice. First at an MBA event, and again as a Guest of Honor appearances at a SJ Sabercat game. A class act and gentleman that made time for his fans - God, I/we miss #80! Barbara was a 20+ years 49er season ticket holder. Barbara was married November 25th, 2002, in Freedom, California, attended by a roomful of wonderful friends and family. Thanks to Marilyn, Lisa, Don, Johnny, Annie, and friends and family trekking in from as far as New Jersey and Iowa to celebrate their sweet little sister/daughter/friends wedding. Barbara is survived by three sisters in California, Texas, and New Jersey. Two Brothers in Iowa and Arizona. Aunt Barbie impacted the lives of four wonderful nieces and young friends John and Ann, all happily married in California. Barbara is preceded in death by her father Paul, mother Fran, sister Patsy, sister Jean, brother-in-law Ray, Bootsy Eloise the cat and Hassie, her German Shepard. Barbara’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at Kaiser Santa Clara and KPPACC, and especially RN Sandy (afternoon shift) at KPPACC, for their professionalism and patience. Thank you Green Valley Hospice for your care and concern. Angel Care handled the arrangements with style and grace. Thanks to Renaissance Home Care, loving and caring health providers to three of our family members. Lilli, Claudia and Zora, Janet and LaToya thank you for your support, laughter, and your tremendous invaluable help this year, you are awesome. Honoring her wishes, Barbara was cremated. Barbara remains near the beach and the ocean, surrounded by the beloved community she called home for four decades. Barbara is the most intelligent, loving and complete person I have ever known. Barbara will be sorely missed by those lucky few personally touched by her genius and kindness, and certainly never forgotten.