Barbara Gray Macondray
January 1, 1924 - May 3, 2022
Barbara Jane Gray Macondray of Sausalito, CA died peacefully at home May 3 at the remarkable age of 98.
Barbara was born January 1, 1924 in Richmond, VA. She grew up in southeastern Virginia among family who loved her dearly. She graduated from the College of William and Mary, then worked as a buyer at Miller and Rhoads department store. She and a friend jumped in a car and headed west in search of jobs and husbands. Arriving in San Francisco, she thought, this will do! She worked for J. Magnin and H. Liebes department stores in San Francisco as buyer of women's casual wear and store manager for many years. Eventually she opened her own shop in Kentfield, CA, the "Barbara Gray."
She met Stewart Alberto Macondray, who was a handsome single father, and married him January 1, 1966 in Pine Grove, CA, at a double-surprise party—Stewart managed to turn a birthday party friends organized to surprise Barbara into a wedding meant to surprise those very same friends. The marriage was long and rich, full of love, good food, endless travel adventures, and enduring friendships.
Barbara appreciated all manner of surprises in life. Letters home and travel journals were full of hilarious stories, like careening through tiny Spanish country roads in an ancient Lionel. The car was too big for the road but small enough to lift and spin around when discovered to be headed in the wrong direction. The stories always included exceptional food and wine shared with friends and family.
Barbara loved Sausalito where she lived the last five decades of her life. She had a view of the harbor and a love for the fog.
She is preceded in death by her parents Kathryn Moyer and Marvin Gray, Sr., stepmother Frances Stringfellow, sister Kathryn Bradshaw, and her beloved Stewart. Barbara leaves stepchildren Malcolm Macondray, Kayla Macondray and Elodie Bergmann; her brother Marvin Gray, Jr.; two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and other beloved family members and dear friends. At her request, no memorial service is planned.
The family is grateful for the exceptional care of Leslie Munday and others at Eldercare Specialists, and the gentle tending of the team at Helping Hands.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 10, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Macondray

Sponsored by Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma.

8 Entries

Nancy Parker

May 7, 2023

My husband Derek passed away on April 18. He and Barbara enjoyed each other immensely. The four of us, when Stewart was alive, and later the three of us, celebrated birthdays together for many years. Those were special times.

Donald Beaudoin

May 23, 2022

I had the extraordinary pleasure and honor of living in the same house as Barbara in Sausalito. I so enjoyed Barbara's quick wit, and warm personality. She was always interested in what you were doing, and was such a character, I miss her so. I would take a random photo album, one of hundreds from downstairs, and after reading it through, would leave a little note for her so she could see it in the morning. This was a way I could share in her many adventures. She was class personified. I will always remember the windy, fog shrouded Sausalito house, and the many sacred nights I spent listening to the fog horn. Her positive energy permeated the house. Barbara, you are with us, Peace to you. Thanks for all the precious caregivers, family, and friends who assisted Barbara towards the final days.

Barbara Whitehead

May 23, 2022

I did not have the privilege to meet Mrs. Macondray. My mother, Mildred Jenkins Wheeler, went to school with her in Wakefield, VA and named me in 1951 "Barbara" in honor of her childhood friend. My sister and I can recall mother speaking of her wonderful memories of good times with Barbara in their family home. My mother is now deceased (2001) but I write this message of sincere condolences on her behalf.