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