Barbara Donald

Barbara Cohen Donald

May 1,1922-Oct 11,2014

Barbara Cohen Donald spent her last day in her home with her family, and amazing caregivers, Janet and Alexandra, touching her, listening, singing, reading, and loving her until she slipped away to continue her dance with the love of her life, Bill Donald.

Barbara Burton Cohen was born in Chilliwack, B.C, to Marjorie Louise Burton from Canada and Douglas Bray Cohen, from Oakland. They settled in Stockton where Barbara was a 1940 graduate of Stockton High. She then attended UC Berkeley where she joined the Alpha Phi sorority, became an avid reader, worked in the Berkeley High library, enjoyed her friends, sports, classes, and parties. She met Bill at Soda Springs, Ca. in 1942. She became Mrs. William Goodricke Donald Jr. in 1944. They made their home in Berkeley.

Barbara and Bill led a close, affectionate, active life, sharing church, Cal Bears, Alta Bates functions, tennis, bridge, MIEC, traveling, being cast and crew for plays, dancing, snorkeling, family genealogy, A's, and backpacking in the Sierras.

Barbara gave herself graciously and generously to her many interests. With an amazing memory for details she was a stimulating hostess, storyteller, professional volunteer and enthusiastic organizer. Her four daughters were rewarded all their lives by her involvement with the UC International House where she hosted new students from other countries, mentoring them through their stay in the U.S.

Barbara cultivated and cherished many friends in her diverse, prolific Garden of Life. She leaves behind her chosen family from All Souls Parish, Book Club friends of 60 years, Campfire Girls, bridge group, Cohen Bray House, Town and Gown Club, Berkeley Food Bank. MIEC, YWCA, United Way, and friends at the UC Botanical garden.

Her survivors include daughters Kathryn, Lin, Nancy and Patricia; her beloved sons in law, David Poock, Tom Manuel; sister Mardi Schma and family; sister in law Moire Donald, mother in law Donna Donald; brother in law Warren Edwards and family; nieces Susan Edwards and Joan Walmsley; grandchildren Amanda, Jamie, Jodie Feusner and Ky Trang Ho, Patrick and Carey Doyle and Josh Einsle, Elizabeth and Julia Poock and great grandchildren, Jaeger and Zoe Trafton , Hugh and Henry Einsle, Jay Cherry.

We were blessed to have had the best Mom, sister, Granny, Auntie and friend imaginable. We know you are dancing with Bill.

A memorial service will be held on December 20, 2014 at All Souls Parish, 10 am, 2220 Cedar Street, Berkeley CA 94706. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland, 4123 Broadway Ste. 145, Oakland, CA, 94611