Charlene Barber

1917 - 2013

Charlene Barber obituary, 1917-2013, Rancho Bernardo, CA

BORN

1917

DIED

2013

Charlene Barber Obituary

Charlene was born July 27, 1917, and died on November 26, 2013, in Rancho Bernardo at age 96. Charlene led a very active and interesting life. She was a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Nursing. She went to New York City after college to teach nursing at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Her hobby at this time was exercising polo ponies. She soon married Hans W. Barber who predeceased her in 1998.
Charlene was gifted as a musician playing professionally for several churches in New England. Her passion was classical music. She enjoyed many musical organizations and events in San Diego with her friends. She attended the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church in recent years enjoying their music program. She recently donated all her sheet music to the church.
Charlene received the coveted Margaret Sanger Award in 1994 for her efforts in volunteering with Planned Parenthood. She was a woman ahead of her time with a commitment toward helping and educating women.
Charlene had a love for dogs, raising more than eight of her own. She founded the Pennsylvania Dog Federation which was instrumental in outlawing puppy mills in Pennsylvania. She was a woman who had strong beliefs and sought to achieve much in her lifetime in helping people and animals.
The past few years, Charlene was very active in the Continuing Education Program in Rancho Bernardo. She helped develop the program bringing many talented people to conduct classes. She took as many classes as she could, enjoying all subjects and remaining curious throughout her life.
In her last weeks, she spoke frequently of her many friends and neighbors whom she loved dearly. She wanted to make a difference with everyone she met. No one could have asked for a more interesting and vibrant person to share their time with.
Charlene is survived by her son, Walter Barber and his wife, Ellen, of Bedford, New Hampshire, and their children, Courtney, Patrick and Michael and his wife, Kim; daughter, Gretchen Pagnotta and her husband, Alan, residents of Santaluz, and their sons, Timothy Pagnotta and his wife, Jetta, and Christopher Pagnotta and his wife, Alexis, and their son, (Charlene's great-grandson) Benjamin Pagnotta.
Charlene's sense of curiosity and solving problems has been passed to her grandson, Christopher, who has a distinguished career in computer science. Her passion for music has been passed to Timothy who is a recognized song writer and music producer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.
The family wants to thank Elizabeth Hospice for their loving care in her last days and suggests contributions to be made to this wonderful organization in her name.

Published by Pomerado News from Dec. 5, 2013 to Jan. 2, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Charlene Barber

Not sure what to say?





I am very sorry for your loss. She will be missed. May your memories give you comfort. Always remember, "God is our refuge and strength." -Psalms 46.

paris d.

January 4, 2014

My heart goes out to you for the deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Charlene. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)

January 2, 2014

May the God of all comfort grant you peace at this difficult time.

December 30, 2013

Walter and Gretchen, We were so sorry to hear about your mom. We loved seeing her a couple years ago. She was an amazing person. We were lucky she was our Aunt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days ahead. Much Love Howard and Zeke

December 22, 2013

My heart goes out to you for the deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Charlene. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)

December 12, 2013

Charlene was such a vibrant, "in the moment" bubbly personality- always with a smile. She was so sharp and knowledgeable and passionate. I enjoyed knowing her and cannot even imagine the depths to which she will be missed.

Karen Heumann

December 11, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

annie horne

December 10, 2013

Its with deep sympathy that I send this message to the family of Charlene. Death is not an easy thing to go through, but just know that, the God of all comfort tells us thru his word that there will be a time when all sorrows will be gone and that mankind will live in beautiful surroundings with nothing to fear. Isaiah 65:17,21-24.
Robin Salisbury NC

December 9, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

December 5, 2013

You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace for your family during this challenging time, and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in paradise. - John 17:3

December 5, 2013

CHARLENE WILL BE MISSED BY HER MANY FRIENDS ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE RANCHO BERNARDO DEMOCRATIC CLUB. CHARLENE WAS A LONGTIME ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE CLUB AND MADE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO CLUB GROWTH,SUCCESS AND OUTREACH TO VOTERS. I LEARNED MUCH ABOUT CHARLENE JUST READING HER OBITUARY THOUGH NONE A COMPLETE SURPRISE AS SHE WAS ALWAYS THOUGHT OF AS A TRUE ACTIVISTS WELL EDUCATED IN THE FIELD OF SERVICE SHE DEVOTED SO MUCH OF HER LIFE TO. SHE WILL BE MISSED ESPECIALLY BY HER FRIENDS IN THE RANCHO BERNARDO DEMOCRATIC CLUB. MAY SHE REST IN THE PEACE SHE SO DESERVING EARNED. CHARLIE WILLIAMS, FORMER PRESIDENT, RANCHO BERNARDO DEMOCRATIC CLUB

December 5, 2013

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Charlene Barber's name

Memorial Events
for Charlene Barber

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Charlene's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charlene Barber's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more