Barbara Carlson

1930 - 2025

Barbara Carlson
Resident of Orinda, CA
Barbara was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Omer and Veronica Warren, where she grew up, attended South High School, and met the love of her life, Roger Carlson. Their lifelong romance began when Barbara asked the shy Roger to be her date at a Sadie Hawkins weenie roast. They married in 1952. Barbara and Roger lived in Hawaii for 18 months while Roger was stationed there during his US Navy service. Barbara was pregnant with their first child, Scott, on the ship over to Hawaii, and with their second child, Jeff, on the ship back to the mainland. They settled in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and started raising their young family. They received an unexpected, but joyous surprise, in June 1961 when their twin daughters, Heidi and Heather, entered the world. Barbara undertook with great skill the job of taking care of a family that now had four children under the age of 4! She did this with nothing but love and affection for her family, and fortunately had nearby relatives to help out when needed. In order to escape the harsh Minnesota weather, in 1969, the family relocated to Orinda, California, where Roger worked in the City by day, and Barbara managed a full plate along the way. She always loved art and, while handling the daily family needs, continued her education and worked for many years as a docent at the Oakland Museum. Barbara re-entered the work force after the twins were out of high school, rising through the ranks to become the Executive Secretary to the Managing Partner at J. Walter Thompson in San Francisco. She loved the active ad agency environment, and worked there for over 15 years, before retiring to spend more time as Nana to her grandchildren. She was an adoring Nana who indulged her grandkids' every whim. Barbara and Roger also traveled extensively to destinations all over the world, and enjoyed spending time at their condominium in Phoenix. Barbara especially enjoyed her Orinda book club, and one of her all-time favorite activities was playing weekly bridge with her many close Orinda friends. Barbara was an incredibly kind and caring person, who willingly welcomed everyone into our home. She always encouraged us to pursue our goals and was proud of our successes. Barbara was predeceased by Roger in 2021, and is survived by her loving children, Scott (Yvonne), Jeff (Divina), Heidi (Laura) and Heather (Steve), her adoring grandchildren Michael (Melanie), Susan (Cooper), Rachel (Max) and Emily, and her brand new great granddaughter, Margot. Barbara loved our large family gatherings, and always supported us, with never a harsh word. She was truly the defender of all, and accuser of none! A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at a future date. Express condolences at www.oakparkhillschapel.com. Donations in memory of Barbara Carlson may be made to the Jean and Ken Hofmann Cancer Center https://www.johnmuirhealth.com/giving/gift-opportunities/jean-and-ken-hofmann-cancer-center.html