BARBARA LEE VALENTINE

Barbara Valentine, beloved mother, television host, and Emmy-winning producer, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, due to complications following a courageous and lengthy battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 81 years old.

Born on August 2, 1944, in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Barbara Lee Puklus grew up with a passion for creativity, family, and faith. She attended Point Park College in Pittsburgh, where she majored in Journalism and Communications.

In 1964, with her educational background and a true beauty at age 20, Barbara decided to explore the world of entertainment. Her brother, Bill, already established as an accomplished film editor in Hollywood, encouraged his sister to move to Los Angeles, where, as luck would have it, he introduced her to fellow film editor Donald Tomlinson. The two wed in Las Vegas in 1965 and in 1970 welcomed their son, Todd. Although the marriage dissolved in 1974, Barbara's career in Hollywood continued to flourish.

Barbara's success in television began when a good friend, Susan Stafford, offered her a position as her co-host on the T.V. show "Alive" which aired on CBN, the Christian Broadcast Network. Because of Barbara's love for all things "hearts," Susan suggested Barbara change her name to "Valentine" for her professional career in Hollywood. Barbara loved the idea, and her success on "Alive" led to a future position not only as Host, but also as Producer of "Heart of the Nation," a Catholic television show broadcast nationally by the De Rance Foundation's Santa Fe Communications. Executive Producing credits followed with the television series "Real to Reel" from 1989-1991 and "Emergency Call" in 1991, in which she also had an on-camera role. Her producing credits include the documentaries "In the Footsteps of Peter and Paul," and "A New Beginning." Barbara's thoughtful, faith-centered storytelling earned her two Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as the admiration of viewers across the country.

Through the years, Barbara continued her creative journey in multimedia production. With close friend and partner Raymond Seager, she formed Raval Media Group, contributing her vision and talent to Los Angeles-based companies, among them: Cessna Aviation; ARC Machines; and the Southern California Gas Company. In 2013, she created, wrote and produced the half-hour animated project "Teenie Tones." In later years and until her health began to fail, she was in the process of developing a television project, "50+Report," a subject about which she was very passionate.

Barbara never lost her faith, nor her love for the many friends who shared the journey of her lifetime. She bravely battled breast cancer for over ten years and was comforted through its many challenges by her dearest friends. On October 10th, 2025, a gathering was held at the Enchanted Manor, home of her long-time friend, Georgia Durante. During the Mass of the Resurrection celebrated by Fr. Vincent Lopez, his prayer that Barbara be escorted by angels into God's Heavenly embrace was shared by all. She requested that her ashes be scattered at sea in the waters off the coast of Dana Point, California - her favorite place on earth.

Predeceased by her parents, Lena and William Puklus; her brother, Bill; and her beloved "Auntie Anne," Barbara is survived by her daughter-in-law, Erin, and her devoted son, Todd Tomlinson, who carries forward her strength, humor, and compassionate spirit.

In lieu of flowers or cards, donations to the American Cancer Society are gratefully encouraged in memory of Barbara's remarkable life and enduring grace.

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