Barbara was born in San Jose, California to Roy and Maggie Pierce. She was lovingly called FBO (First Born One) by her mother Maggie. She had three younger siblings, Jane Eckles, Royalee Cannon and Jessie Cravens. She had a love for classical music that would bring her much peace and she played the string bass in her high school orchestra in Santa Cruz, California. She worked for International Paper Company, San Jose California for over 35 years, where she met many wonderful people and one that would become her life-long friend, Penny Couser. She was an avid 49er's, Dodgers and Giants fan listening to the games for hours on the radio.

She had a rare appreciation for creation, especially the outdoors and this was one of the greatest gifts she gave her children and grandchildren. She loved playing in the creek, rock hunting, collecting seeds to plant in her garden, and taking care of her lovely roses. The ocean always called to her, drawing her to its rocky and sandy shores from summers on Pismo Beach, Capitola, Santa Cruz and the Cement Boat in Aptos California, eventually she reached the shores of Washington. There wasn't a moment traveling with her that she didn't want to pull over on the side of the road to collect rocks and explore what may be around the nearby area.

She had a passion for geology which led to her to her great collection of stones, crystals, and gemstones which she loved stringing into necklaces and earrings; turquoise, jade and garnets were some of her favorites.

Reading was another passion she passed to her children and some of her grandchildren. She enjoyed Anne McCaffery and Louis L'amour (science fiction and the Old West), her collection of books could fill a small library.

In her last few months Barbara was moved to A. L. J. Assisted Living (the motto was "Christ owned, Christian operated!") to receive full time care from the lovely staff and Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ. She brought much laughter and some incredible conversation to the place, becoming the life of the house. One of the care takers said, "She ROCKED this place!"

Barbara passed away peacefully into His care, surrounded by her children and her sister Royalee.


She is survived by her sisters Royalee and Jessie, her four children Cynthia, Michael, Elizabeth and Glenn, 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 10:00 am at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th Street, Gilroy, CA followed by burial at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, 1000 First Street, Gilroy, CA.

An After Glow Celebration will follow at the Gilroy Veterans Memorial, 74 W. 6th Street, Gilroy, CA. Please join us to have lunch and celebrate our mother's life.