Barbara Flynn Meyn

Barbara Meyn died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at her home in San Luis Obispo from complications resulting from mitral valve replacement. She was surrounded by her immediate family who celebrated her life and her wonderful personality and sense of humor even then. Barbara was born in April 1930 in Altadena, Calif., and attended school in Pasadena. She married the love of her life, Pete and enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Pete''s death in 2005. After raising Cathy and Doug in Whittier, Calif., she returned to school, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from USC. She then pursued a career as an occupational therapist and volunteer at Planned Parenthood. They later moved to Lake Forest, Calif., and retired in San Luis Obispo in 1996, where she was an active volunteer at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens and Newcomer''s Club, where she honed her innate ability to take the mundane and make it interesting and fun. She arranged tours to the harp factory and even the dump, which proved to be one of the most memorable. Always curious and interested in learning and experiencing different lands and cultures, Pete and Barbara loved to travel, usually taking "backroads" type of tours. On a trip in Istanbul, their taxi driver took them to his home to meet his wife and exchange gifts. Barbara even taught the Turkish crew on one of their cruises some good old Irish limericks! Barbara always connected with people. Some of her dearest friends were those she went to middle and high school with and she later developed wonderful bridge, mahjong, and exercise buddies. As much as she liked reading, gardening, and trying new things, her family and friends were always most important to her. She was a lady of exceptional grace, while maintaining a down to earth presence. While she considered herself shy, she was always able to entertain with her quick wit and personality and could be counted on for moral advise and caring compassion. One of her greatest compliments came from her nephew, who recently said "Barbara proved that it is possible for the prettiest girl in school to also be the nicest." Barbara loved to take care of people and animals. She was a regular supporter of Big Cat Rescue (a center for rescued and retired lions, tigers, etc. in Florida) Puppies Behind Bars and one of her favorites, Woods Humane Society. Whenever family was in town she would delight in a field trip to Woods, just to see "all the happy kitties." A fitting tribute to Barbara is that her friend Mikey, who was with her through Pete''s illness as well as her own, is now the official "office kitty" at Woods. It doesn''t get any better than that! Barbara is survived by daughter, Cathy (Larry) Taylor; son, Doug Meyn (Linda); grandchildren Jeff and Kara Duncan, and Chris Meyn; and great-granddaughter, Coral Duncan. Her family would like to thank the wonderfully caring professionals at Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, who helped Barbara (and the family) through Pete''s illness, and then with Alison Kerns, brought Barbara and family comfort, support, and love in her final days. And to our Angel on Duty, Kendra Warner, words cannot express our appreciation for your help in guiding us through the painful process of losing amazing parents and friends. At Barbara''s request, there will be no service; she much preferred a celebration. Please remember a great time, a touching moment, or a wonderful experience. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to any of her favorite charities including Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, Woods Humane Society, Planned Parenthood, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. She said she had 80 years of the most wonderful life and so to all who were a part of making it so, thank you!