Barbara L. Simpson

1925 - 2014

Barbara Lois Simpson was born to parents McIntyre and Lois Faries of San Marino, California. Barbara passed away peacefully after a short illness with her family by her side. An elegant, beautiful, and loving lady full of grace, courage, immense loyalties, deep friendships, and devotion to her family and community, she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A life-long resident of San Marino and, later, Pasadena, she is survived by her daughter Andrea L. Simpson and grandson Christopher R. Myrdal, and son Eric K. Simpson, his wife Barbara, and grandchildren Katherine L. Simpson and Alexander K. Simpson. Her sister, Marjorie A. Gaines, and nephew John M. Bekins predeceased her. She is survived by nephews Milo W. Bekins, Richard M. Bekins and Michael D. Bekins, and grandnieces Elyse A. Bekins, Vivian Bekins, and Sophie A. Bekins, and grandnephews Milo M. Bekins, Kai W. Bekins, and Steven Bekins.

She attended Occidental College where she was a member of the Alpha Sorority, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of California at Berkeley. A devoted life-long reader with sparkling wit and intellectual curiosity, she also attended years of post-graduate courses at The Claremont Colleges.

Barbara Simpson held a life-long, deep belief in the value of the arts and music for children and families, which is reflected in her over fifty years of community volunteer service, including being past president of the San Marino League, Luminaires, Five Acres, The Costume Council, and Carver PTA. She served on the boards of the San Marino Guild of the Huntington Hospital, Pasadena Philharmonic Society, and The Town Club, as well as being past chairman of the San Marino Celebrity Series and Art Walk. Her wide-ranging community volunteer activities included the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena Guild of the Children's Hospital, the LA County Arboretum, PALAC, China Society, and the Society of Fellows of the Huntington Library.

She was a member of The Valley Hunt Club and The Town Club.

According to her wishes, a memorial service will not be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Huntington Library and Art Gallery, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108.