Barbara Spector

Barbara Lea Spector, a beloved resident of Los Gatos, California, passed away on November 11, 2025, at Stanford Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 80 years old.

Born on March 21, 1945, in Stockton, California, Barbara was the daughter of Adolph and Palmyra Tozi. She grew up on her family's cherry and walnut ranch, where her strong work ethic and love of learning first took root. Barbara began her education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Lodi High School in 1962.

Barbara pursued higher education with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley in 1966. Her passion for law led her to Santa Clara University School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor in 1978.

It was during these formative years that Barbara met the love of her life, Ira Spector. Together, they built a life in Los Gatos, where they lived in the same home just two blocks from downtown for 52 years. Their shared love for the community became a cornerstone of Barbara's life.

Barbara began her legal career at Morgan, Morgan, Towery, Morgan & Spector in 1978 and went on to practice civil litigation for more than 40 years. Her dedication to justice and professionalism earned her the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond her legal career, Barbara devoted herself to public service. She served two terms as Planning Commissioner from 1980 to 1988 and later joined the Los Gatos Town Council in 2004. Her leadership included three terms as Mayor-in 2008, 2013, and 2016-where she worked tirelessly to preserve the character and vitality of the town she cherished.

Barbara and Ira shared a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world including Dubai, Africa, Italy, and France. She was also an avid San Francisco 49ers fan, holding season tickets for many years and cheering passionately for her team.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ira, in 2024. She is survived by her brother, Marvin Tozi; her nephew and niece, David and Katie Tozi; and her grandnephew and nieces, Grace, Emma, and Jacob Tozi of Meridian, Idaho.

Burial will be private, in accordance with the family's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to the Humane Society, honoring her lifelong love of animals.

Barbara's legacy of service, integrity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.