Barbara J. Carney

Palm Desert - Barbara June Carney, a loving partner, sister, friend, and dedicated teacher, has gone to be with her Lord on August 29, 2023. Barbara Carney, born May 22, 1955, lived the majority of her life in the Coachella Valley. Barbara lived her life with passion for adventure and dedication to family and children. Barbara embraced the joy of nature. Behind the camera lens, she captured the beauty wherever she was. Her adventurous spirit allowed her the opportunity to traverse the desert on her ATV, race down the Colorado River on her Sea Doo, or anything else that fulfilled her zest to try something new and fun.

After graduating from the University of Redlands in 1977, Barbara embarked on a career as a Daycare Director and Elementary Teacher. Barbara loved children of all ages and did everything possible to develop their love for learning. As a Director for 12 years, the children and their families loved Barbara and her childlike spirit.

Barbara returned to the desert where she taught in the Desert Sands Unified School District. She taught 24 years between Jackson Elementary and Johnson Elementary Schools. Barbara was an outstanding teacher and shared with her colleagues her experiences. Barbara was honored as Teacher of the Year and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and Phi Delta Kappa Society. New teachers were guided and supported by Barbara during their first years of teaching through her work in the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Induction Program (BTSA).

Forever dedicated to her family, Barbara is survived by Donald Duncan, her partner of 25 years, her siblings, Alden Carney, Cynthia Ginger, Richard Carney, Dennis Carney, Carol Fry, and Debra Loukatos. Barbara's children include her 9 nieces and nephews, 4 step-nieces, and 14 great nieces and nephews. Barbara's family was of utmost importance to her. She became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution following in the footsteps of the women in her family. It was Barbara's greatest joy to watch her family grow, loving each addition of a child joining her family. She adored children, her family and her partner, Don. She will remain forever in our hearts and lives because of who she was.