Barbara Martin

1926 - 2017

Barbara Anne Martin

Jun. 1, 1926 – Jun. 1, 2017

Resident of Lafayette

Barbara Anne Martin, a longtime resident of Lafayette, passed away peacefully at her home on June 1st.
Barbara, age 91, was born in Oakland, California to Grant and Winifred Atchison on June 1st, 1926. She was raised in Oakland along with three younger brothers, James, Ned, and Allen. Barbara attended both Fremont and San Leandro High Schools and went on to study at U.C. Berkeley, her father's alma mater, graduating with a BA in Physical Education in June of 1948. While at Berkeley, Barbara (Alpha Gamma Delta) met her husband to-be Howard Joseph Martin, Jr. (Phi Delta Theta), set up on a first date by good friends in their sorority and fraternity at Cal. They were married on Big Game Day in 1948, and celebrated their honeymoon at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park.
After moves from New Orleans and San Diego, during Howard's early Naval career, Barbara and Howard settled in Lafayette, California in 1952. There, they went on to raise their 10 children: Howard, Theresa, Virginia, Thomas, Stephen, Claire, James, Robert, Daniel and Jeanne. Barbara had her hands full, but found time to be active as a Girl Scout Leader, part-time PE teacher, and a recreational coach for many teams. As her children grew older and she faced a new chapter, Barbara went back to school to obtain her California Teaching Credentials in 1971 from Hayward State University. With her degree, Barbara continued to engage with children by becoming a preschool instructor for Head Start and elementary school teacher for the Mt. Diablo School District. After 15 years of teaching, Barbara retired and became more active at St. Mary's Catholic Church, joining the church choir and helping to lead the Cursillo conferences.
Barbara was profoundly connected with nature and all living things, something that was nourished and shared deeply with Howard. Whether making family excursions centered around the mountain cabin, visiting relatives up at Crescent Lake, Oregon, traveling the country and world to visit new places, or even watching the birds in her own back yard, her life was closely linked to the outdoors, where she found great solace and spiritual uplift. This appreciation was a gift that she and Howard passed on to their children; a gift that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Howard on March 19, 2015, brother Allen on December 29, 2007 and son Thomas on March 29, 2015. Barbara is survived by her remaining 2 brothers, 9 children, 23 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, and the many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be at 10 AM, Saturday, June 24th at Queen of Heaven/ Holy Angels Cemetery, in Lafayette. A brunch will immediately follow the service. Arrangements are by Paul Holland of Queen of Heaven/Holy Angels Cemetery and Funeral Center.