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BORN
1939
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Townend Obituary
October 25, 1939 - April 5, 2018
Resident of Santa Cruz
Barbara Townend passed early Thursday, April 5 with her two great loves at her side, Jim Johnson, and the "other man in her life", her dog Baxter.
Barbara was 78 years old. She grew up in Southern California and when she made her way to Santa Cruz 46 years ago she decided that there was no other place she would rather be.
Aside from the love of her immediate family, her life was defined by love and connection with three communities: Santa Cruz real estate colleagues, Imperial Courts Tennis Club, and her 32nd Avenue neighborhood family.
Barbara invested nearly 40 years of her life as a real estate agent helping families find their new home in the community. The last 35 years she spent joyfully working with her colleagues at Monterey Bay properties.
Barbara cherished community and thought of it as a verb. Neighbors on 32nd Avenue say that she was often the glue that put them together and made everyone feel welcome. Pastimes that brought Barabara joy included mornings gardening just so she could share flowers with neighbors, gathering with tennis club friends, and chasing low-tide for Baxter's walks.
Barbara will be remembered and cherished by her partner Jim Johnson, buddy Baxter, son Jim Townend, daughter Lena Townend, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Barbara's family is planning a Celebration of Life on Friday, April 20, 2:00 PM at Seascape Resort in Aptos, where they hope that her beloved communities will gather to share stories and celebrate her bright spirit.
In lieu of flowers, those who are interested are encouraged to donate to the Santa Cruz SPCA.
View the online memorial for Barbara Caroline Townend
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Townend
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Linda Amador
April 5, 2020
Dear Leana, Jimmy and Family,
Memories of your mother; grandmother remain in my heart, as does my deepest sympathy.
With heartfelt condolence I send the same sentiment my family prayed 17 years ago when our mother Emily passed on to heaven.
In loving memory of mothers.
MOTHER
You can only have one mother, patient, kind and true.
No other friend in all the world will be the same to you.
When other friends forsake you, to mother you will return,
for all her loving kindness, she asks nothing in return.
As we look upon her picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine, and a smile for one and all.
Sweet Jesus take this message, to our dear mother up above, tell her how we miss her, and give her all our love.
Amen
Heather McBride
December 4, 2018
My Dearest Friend, not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I miss your smile. Keeping you in my Heart.
Paul and Emily Ghio-Cato
April 20, 2018
In loving memory to Barabara. When I think of Barabara I remember that wonderful smile of hers that she shared with everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family
Linda Amador
April 20, 2018
Over 30+ years of friendship, one becomes family. Like every family, Barbara and I had our moments. Moments of love, moments of laughter, moments of sadness and at times moments of brutal disagreements (mostly about who was taller). All those emotions make for a lifetime of treasured memories. She will be dearly missed.
Cheri Nilsson
April 16, 2018
We will miss Barbara in our community and our profession as Realtors. Rest in peace Barbard
Martha Hughes
April 12, 2018
Barbara was one of those people that would light-up a room where ever she went .. such warmth and that wonderful smile! I know she was a bright light in my life. I will miss her and cherish that special place in my heart I hold for her. Love to Jim, Lena, Jim, and all of her family.
Love, Martha Hughes
Jean Berryessa
April 11, 2018
A loss to all who knew you. Rest peacefully.
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Funeral services provided by:
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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