Barbara Hansen Harkness

BARBARA HANSEN HARKNESS Barbara Hansen Harkness died February 17, 2007 from complications of recurrent breast cancer she had battled for over 37 years. She passed away in her own home under hospice care surrounded by her family. She was 76. Born August 27, 1930 in Hanford, California, daughter of Danish farmer Leo Svensen Hansen and Esther L. Young, only sister of Eleanor Galbraith, all late, Barbara was a native Californian. She attended Ha nford HS in 1946-47, earning a diploma in 1948 and an AA in 1950, both from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She then earned her BA and teaching credential in 1952 from the University of Missouri. She started teaching Kindergarten that same year in San Diego and continued teaching after marriage, six children and many cross country moves. Upon settling in Redlands in 1969 she earned an Arts Master in Education from the University of Redlands in 1970. She started her college teaching career at San Bernardin o Valley College from where she retired as a professor of child development after 20 years. While at SBVC she simultaneously coordinated the child development program, wrote grants, established the college's Child Care Center, a day care and teaching lab for students, and co-authored 2 books. A leader in her field, she served on many local, state, and national commissions and task forces which impacted the lives of children and families. She worked with the State Department foster parent and ombudsman pr ograms, served on the Federal Head Start Board, conducted trainings for NAEYC and SCAEYC, to name a few. She was also faculty at Crafton Hills College and Cal State San Bernardino. A believer of lifelong learning, she inspired others to achieve through education. In 1984 she was named California Community College Teacher of the Year in Sacramento for her leadership. She earned a second Master degree, an MS in Counseling Psychology from Chapman College in 1986. Always active, Barbara served the community as a board member for the YMCA, Antique Guild Newsletter editor, Panhellenic Society (Kappa Alpha Theta), and mostly, as a volunteer for the Assistance League of Redlands. She was full of ideas and loved to rescue things. She happily sorted items for hours in the Al Thrift Shop. In 2006, she was presented with the League's highest honor, the Ada Edwards Laughlin Award. Possessing an eclectic style, Barbara enjoyed collecting, art, antiques, stories and people. She made friends easily and mostly enjoyed ent ertaining visitors on her patio where all were welcome. An avid reader, she could always recommend a book and enjoyed a local book club. She traveled when able, making trips on the TansSiberian railroad across China and Russia, boating on the Danube, trekking the outback in Australia, and cruising the fjiords of Norway. She also spent spare time over 20 years camping on the beach in Baja where she had adopted a local family. A farm girl under it all, she loved making jam, growing roses and pomegranates, fee ding the birds. Spending time at the beach, playing with her grandchildren, and watching soccer at UCLA brought her great joy, as did many friends. An unrelenting determination, adventurous spirit and much dry wit helped her endure ailments beyond expectation. She was truly courageous and giving woman who will be greatly missed. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Sara Harkness of Orinda and five sons, Scott Harkness of Irvine, Brian of Redlands, Curtis of Palm Desert, Todd of Costa Mesa, and Ross of Redlands. She has 12 grandchildren and one great- grandson. An informal memorial gathering to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 11:00 at the First Congregational Church, 2 West Olive, Redlands. Please bring a thought, memory, joke, or favorite Barbara story to share if you wish. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Assistance League of Redlands, "Capital Campaign Fund," 506 West Colton Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374. You may send your condolences to www.ourfuneralse rvice.com. Family under the care of Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel, Redlands, CA.