Ann D. Barber

Ann was born in Cambridge, England on February 2, 1943. Her father, Thomas H. King, was a chef and local grocer and delightedly referred to her as Tuppence, as he taught her some kitchen tricks in post-war rationed England. It was through him and her mother, Cecilia E. King, that she developed her love of cooking, family, gardening, and all things British. She was raised with her older brother, Thomas, in Cambridge before studying Hotel Management and Cordon Bleu cooking. Her family and education provided the basis for her enduring love of cooking and entertaining, helping her become well known as the "Hostess with the Mostest," later in life. "Kingy "to her best friends at school, she was known for always having a smile on her face while causing occasional mischief, including raiding the local men's dorm while in her final year of college. It was during her college time in Yorkshire that she met her future husband.
In 1966, at 22, Ann emigrated to the US with her husband John and son, Christopher. Despite some early challenges, she built an amazing life for herself and her family. Her second son, Andrew, was born in Boston, and her daughter, Nichola, followed several years later in California. The family moved to San Jose, California in 1967 where she raised her children during the beginnings and expansion of what is now Silicon Valley, driving the kids to and from their daily practices and always there in person to pick them up off the local bus. In 1981, they moved to the house on Black Walnut Court in Saratoga, and in 2002, Ann made her final move to Springer Avenue where she lived until her passing.
Annie (or Amma as she was known by her immediate family) was a wonderful Mum, grandmother, and friend; a gracious entertainer, a dedicated gardener and a fabulous cook, and she did it all with a grace that made everything look easy. Annie's garden was admired by many, with strangers often stopping out front to take photographs. Her lemon curd and fig chutney were exceptional, and her shortbread was legendary – the recipe of which will remain a family secret! From Royal Ascot picnics to her traditional Boxing Day celebration, her parties were well known and enjoyed by all. One of Annie's most endearing attributes, and a constant source of family humor, was that she regularly burned the toast, despite her many culinary accomplishments, which always brought a giggle to family.
She was also a proud "crazy cat lady" starting from youth when she grew up with a Siamese named Shelly. Subsequent generations of her cats lived a long and spoiled life, up to 18+ years, and her last Siamese, Pippa, was with her to the end. She was well known in her neighborhood for appearing on the front porch calling Pippa home for dinner come nightfall. Pippa has now been relocated to live comfortably with her granddaughter, Ali,
Amma loved her grandchildren, Ali and Andrew, now based in Scotland, and looked forward to their frequent texts and video calls, no matter where in the world they were. An avid traveler, Mum tried to take at least one trip a year to see her friends in the UK, and had multiple other trips to Europe and Africa, typically with other members of the family. An avid walker, she was the fittest grandmother around, often out walking her children and their friends as she powered down the street or along the beach. It was this general good health that had her up and running even after two back surgeries and a hip replacement. It was also this fitness that had us all believing that she would kick cancer like she had done everything else.
Annie is survived by her older brother, Tom and his wife, Judie, three nephews and nieces and their children, plus her three children, Chris and his wife, Ann, her son Andrew, and daughter, Nicky, plus two grandchildren, Alexandra (Ali) and Andrew.
The family wish to extend their gratitude to all the family, friends and medical staff, the Fairways hospice team, and other caregivers that helped mum throughout her treatment and the final stages of her life. You all earned a special place in her heart and the hearts of our entire family. Ann was cremated and now rests in a beautiful, 19th century Spode urn that she herself picked out. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ann's memory to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) or another cancer charity of your choice, or a cat rescue animal charity.
A "Celebration of Life" is planned for March 8, 2025, in Saratoga. PLEASE reach out to Nicky for further details at her email, Barbernicky@hotmail.com, so we can plan the celebration.