In Memory

Barbara Varnum (Smith) - Class Of 1942

Barbara Varnum (Smith)

Barbara Jean Varnum Smith, resident of Walnut Creek, California, died of heart failure on June 21, 2009 in John Muir Trauma Center, with her loving husband James W. Smith at her side.  Barbara survived breast cancer and was fighting a courageous fight for over a year against a very difficult and unpleasant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Barbara and Jim began their long married life in South Pasadena, July 26, 1947.  Surviving her are two fine sons and their wives who live in the west and found time to visit on all special occasions; Stephen James and Lisa, Sacramento; David Arthur and Trish, Tacoma, Washington; and her caring daughter Marcia Jean Lerch, Truckee.  In addition, surviving Barbara are four grandchildren, James, Kym, Lynn, and Daniel and two great-grandchildren, Cameron and David.  Also surviving her is her loving older brother George Varnum, Henderson, Nevada.

Barbara was born to George Winthrop and Mary Kathreen Varnum on September 21, 1924 in Glendale, California.  She spent most of her childhood in South Pasadena where she attended elementary and middle school.  Her family moved to Piedmont, California where she was graduated from high school, and the University of California.  In addition to her academic studies at Cal she volunteered during World War II in 1943 for the American National Red Cross Nurses' Aide Corps and was commended for her caring and competent service.  In addition, she served as pledge chairperson for her Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and agreed to be one of the beauty models for the 1946 Blue and Gold, Cal Yearbook.  After graduating, she continued at Berkeley for her postgraduate work and teaching credential.

Barbara taught in Paso Robles, San Francisco, Danville, and Richmond, California.  Later she moved to Walnut Creek and chose another career in accounting and worked for the Business Department of Contra Costa County.  Upon retiring from the county, she found she and Jim enjoyed traveling, so on to Mexico, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy, France, Austria, and Germany.  Lately when able, she could be found reading, enjoying "almost pet" hummingbirds, tending her beautiful roses, or watching old award winning movies and exciting current sports.  In earlier years she truly was excellent as a supportive and always available swimming, baseball, and basketball Mom, for her very successful athletes.  It is a tragedy to lose, too early, such a devoted, loving and caring, bright, and responsible woman.  At Barbara's request, no formal memorial services were held.  She hoped her friends would remember her, as she was when they last met.

Contra Costa Times, June 27, 2009