Barbara Dunster

BARBARA DUNSTER 1928 - 2003Whether it was water-skiing, fishing, or partying with her friends, Barbara Dunster showed a tremendous zest for life. Far too many friends, relatives and associates are going to miss this beautiful, caring, sharing woman. Born August 14, 1928, Barbara left us on Monday afternoon. She didn't go quietly and she did make a fuss, but that was what you would expect if you knew Barbara. Born in Hollywood and raised in Canada, Barbara returned to Southern California as a high sch ool junior at Fremont High in L.A.. After graduation she worked various jobs at the Statler Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, moving into the position of hostess in the late forties. She then worked the next three years as a flight attendant working out of Burbank. After spending a year in New York, Barbara returned once again to Southern California, this time South Gate where she had an on again off again romance with her soon to be husband Jack. They married in 1955 and settled in Lynwood where they raised t heir son John. Barbara was a community activist from the beginning, starting with P.T.A. presidency and Swim club board member. She would eventually be president of that as well as managing all the jobs of a real mom. The family moved into her present home in 1972 and Barbara along with Jack got involved quickly. They both worked hard along with partners to establish CBS Reality in the area. One of the partners, Dotty Barclay became one of many of her lifelong friends. One Barbara's bigger thrills in life w as being asked to sponsor a campus girls club at Wilson High school where her son attended. Barbara soon became active in the political front, having managed two election campaigns for city Council members Doug Drummond and Ray Grabinski. Barbara had become a grandmother by this time and cherished time spent with her granddaughter Noelle. She was also an active member of the Long Beach Yacht Club as well as numerous other service organizations. At retirement Jack bought Barbara a little gift, an 85 foot spo rtfishing boat and business. After the disappointment of losing her husband only eight months later, Barbara went about the task of running a successful sportsfishing business as well as become a part owner of 22nd Street Landing and did it well. With the help of many and the support of her sister and best friend Joyce Bolicek, Barbara's boat the "Freedom" became one of the top producing sportfishing boats on the coast. Sale of the "Freedom" had just become completed and Barbara had just finished the re-dec oration of her house. She celebrated these achievements with a house warming that was attended by most of her friends. She thoroughly enjoyed that evening with those people closest to her and was warmed by everyone's presence. Mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or friend Barbara will be missed by many and her presence will be a tough one to replace, but we survive in the fact that she lived a full life and left nothing for granted. She is survived by son John, his wife Linda and daughter Noelle, sister Joyc e and nephews Brad and Doug , Kelli, Chelsea and Cody as well as Geoff, Beverly, John, Diane, Bob, Linda, the kids, Mary Kay, Phil, Craig, Bill, Trudy, Anita, Virginia, the ladies, and all of the other friends that Barbara had accumulated throughout her life. God Bless her and all that grieve her loss. Donations in Barbara's name are to be directed to the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village in Long Beach. Services will be held Saturday November 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m. at Luyben Family-Dilday Mottel's Mortu ary, 5161 E. Arbor Rd. Long Beach. Life celebration to follow at Khoury's in Alamitos Landing 12:00 - 2:00. Internment at sea to follow, dress warmly.