Barbara Nathan

1926 - 2018

Barbara Nathan
Oct 18, 1926 - Mar 5, 2018
Newark
Barbara J Nathan peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 5, 2018. A 3rd generation Californian, she was born on October 18, 1926 in Visalia CA. She will be remembered fondly as a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She is preceded in death by her husband Melvin, parents Arthur and Teresa, siblings Myron, Betty, and Peggy. She is survived by her children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great granddaughter; Matthew and Leslie, Michael and Tara, Cody and Lauren, Trevor, and Riley Elizabeth.
Her young life was spent with her extended family in Visalia CA. At 13, the family moved north to Oakland, finally settling in Redwood City. She attended Sequoia High School where her artistic side flourished. WWII forced many teenagers into adult roles, and as Barbara became self-sufficient she also developed a love for Ford Convertibles. She liked to dress well in the style of the day, earning the title of "the Glamorous Aunt" by her nieces. She went on to earn a Dental Nursing certification and began a career as a chairside assistant.
She married husband Melvin in 1956, but the honeymoon was short lived as Barbara was soon diagnosed with melanoma. She spent the first two years of newlywed life in the hospital and recovery, remaining cancer free for life. She and Melvin relocated to Newark where she resided for the past 58 years. Barbara retired from nursing to focus on her family, and continued to pursue artistic talents in flower arranging, painting, and cake decorating; she was often contracted to create wedding, birthday and anniversary cakes.
In retirement Barbara and Melvin enjoyed traveling, spending time with their grandsons' school, football, baseball, basketball, and soccer activities, and volunteering with the Birthday Club, Christian Women's Organization, and Red Hat Ladies. Barbara thrived in weekly aqua aerobics, decorative painting classes, and was regular at Newark Senior Center Bingo for over 20 years.
Viewing, Funeral, and Entombment at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward 32992 Mission Blvd. Viewing Monday March 12, from 5-8:30 pm, Funeral Tuesday March 13, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, with Entombment following at 1:00 pm.
Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Please direct flowers and online condolences to www.chapleofthechimeshayward.com.


View the online memorial for Barbara Nathan