Passed away at her home in Montecito on February 26, 2013. She was born July 5, 1917 in Hollywood, California. After high school in Santa Barbara, she and her mother took a trip around the world. Then after a year of college, she pursued her love of art at art school in San Francisco. World War II interrupted a promising art career. She went to work as a weight engineer at an aircraft plant. There she met her future husband, James E. Ward, an engineer, and they married on December 16, 1944 in Nebraska, where he was stationed with the Air Force. After the war, she became a housewife, and lived with her husband and daughter in Los Angeles, New York, northern California, and finally Santa Barbara.
Barbara kept up her painting and pastels. Also, Kauai came to be a much-loved second home. She loved animals and rescued a number of them, and was a faithful donor to numerous humanitarian causes. Many memories and photos attest to her fondness for treating her family and friends to wonderful meals and vacations. She also loved all kinds of music, movies, and books, including poetry. Her great kindness and generosity, as well as her playful sense of humor and warmth and enjoyment of life, plus her grace and dignity, will always be remembered, not to mention her wonderful laugh!
Her husband and her sister, Patricia Battin, preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter Victoria Ward, niece Alexandra Geremia, grand-nephew Edward Geremia, and cousin Elaine King and family. All are very grateful for the excellent care she received from her beloved caregivers from Senior Planning Services.
A private service will be held today at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
