Barbara Joanne Warner

1932 - 2016

Dr. Barbara Joanne Warner

A feisty, funny, and compassionate woman who transformed herself from homemaker to doctor of psychology died March 18, 2016. She was 83. The cause was cardiac arrest during surgery at Community Hospital.
Barbara was born in San Bernardino on July 3, 1932. She attended San Bernardino High School before graduating from Occidental College, where she pledged to the Delta Zeta sorority. She returned to her hometown to teach kindergarten.
In 1954, she married Paul Warner, a union of 61 years lasting until death did they part. They had two sons, Gary and Dennis, before moving to Long Beach in 1962.
After her 40th birthday, Barbara returned to college. She received her PhD in psychology in 1976, at the same time her eldest son graduated from high school. She worked as a therapist until this past winter, helping thousands of clients over 39 years.
Barbara loved Shirley Temple musicals, "The Sound of Music," "Gone with the Wind", and "Blue Bloods." She visited Europe, Canada and Hawaii and enjoyed frequent getaways with Paul to Carmel. But her favorite place was always Big Bear Lake, where she spent many childhood summers. She enjoyed her many friends, includiong "The Dinghy Group.".
She is survived by her husband, Paul; son Gary and his wife, Debra, of Eugene, OR; son Dennis and wife Mary Anne; and grandchildren Thomas and Elizabeth, of Eugene, OR. She was grateful to her niece, Cheryl Olsen, who cared for her and Paul during recent months. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Assistance League in Barbara's name.
A "Celebration of Life" will take place Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m., at The Assistance League of Long Beach, 6220 E Spring St., in Long Beach, CA, 90815. Phone (562)-425-9453.