Barbara Joy Purcell

Barbara Joy (Talamantes) Purcell passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024 at the age of 84, surrounded by the love from family and friends. Barbara was born in Petaluma, California on June 8, 1939, to parents Helen (Rotthaus) and Phil Talamantes. While a student at Petaluma High School she was celebrated as Petaluma's centennial queen in 1958. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College before graduating from UCSF School of Nursing.

On November 28, 1962, Barbara married Bill Purcell from Chicago, IL. They established a beautiful home and community in San Francisco's Noe Valley Neighborhood. Widowed too soon, she raised their four children: Bill Jr., Joy, Megan, and Tom.

Barbara had a long career as a registered nurse at French Hospital then as a home health nurse with Kaiser. Barbara's commitment to her community shone brightly. Her 50+ year membership in St. Aidan's Episcopal Church's congregation was the source and summit of her life in faith and service. She loved traveling, seeing grandkids, gardening, the performing arts, environmental conservation and famously traipsing her home's 50 front stairs for her daily neighborhood walk with friends. Barbara loved to laugh and dance. Her impact has left an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of those she touched.

Barbara is survived by her children, Bill and wife Michelle; Joy Rich and husband Mike; Megan Crim and husband Mike; and Tom and wife Katie. She is a proud grandmother to Tara, Cameron, Benjamin, Larkin, Will, Alexa, Nolan, Henry, Daisy, and Theo. She also leaves behind her brother Tim Talamantes, his wife Janet, mother-in-law Norma Purcell, sister-in-law Diane Lolli, and a host of beloved extended family members. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Bill Sr., and brother Phil Talamantes.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the life guidance caregivers at Atria El Camino Gardens in Carmichael, CA.

She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Petaluma. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 101 Gold Mine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94131.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Aidan's kitchen modernization project to grow their food bank community outreach, a cause close to Barbara's heart.