Kaye Margaret Barlow

Kathleen "Kaye" Margaret Edith Barlow

December 30, 1937 - August 7, 2025

Kaye Barlow, aged 87, died peacefully in Santa Clara, California, on August 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of her children.

Kaye was born on December 30, 1937, to Harry Crosby Barlow and Eileen Marjory Robinson in Ashern, Manitoba. Kaye grew up in Canada during tough times. With the love of her mother and siblings, she rose to meet every challenge with sharp wit, determination and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Kaye moved to San Francisco, California in 1961. She didn't have much of a plan, just the sense that it was where things were happening and she wanted to be a part of it. It felt like a place where she could start fresh and see what she was capable of on her own.

In San Francisco she met the love of her life, Frank Donald Starz, and they were married on December 18, 1965. She was a loving mother who raised two children, Curt and Melanie, making a home wherever they landed and always putting them first, even when resources were tight. Kaye was the heart and soul of her family. She always made sure her children knew they were loved and taught them to stand on their own.

From a very early age and throughout her entire life, Kaye had a deep passion and love for books. She found escape, insight, and joy in the pages of all types of books. She passed that passion on to her children and grandchildren and always defended the right to read stories that challenge and inspire.

Kaye had a strong work ethic and loved being in the professional world. She worked her way up through the retail world, rising to a management position and a buyer, which gave her the opportunity to travel the world. Later, she worked as an executive with a well-known stockbroker company.

Kaye and Frank retired to Qualicum Beach in 2003 where she lived a happy life near her brother Ken and the beach. When she retired, she volunteered at local charity organizations and the library. In 2021, she made the move back to California to live with her daughter.

Kaye is survived by her two children, Curt and Melanie Starz, three grandchildren, Crystal Starz, Cassie and Makayla Camacho, one great grandchild, Olivia Smith, and her four siblings, Ken Barlow, Murray McLennen, Judy Chaput, and Pat Fidkalo.