Barbara Saks Murphy was born in 1947 in Santa Monica, California. Her early years were spent in Pacific Palisades with her parents, Robert and Joyce Saks, and her older sister, Sandy, before the family later moved to Los Alamitos.
Barbara often shared tales of encountering famous actors in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Her father, initially an aerospace engineer and MIT graduate, transitioned to a career in sales, while her mother, a skilled artist, left a creative legacy through her paintings and sketches displayed in their home.
Barbara's sister pursued a career as a professor at North Carolina State University, focusing on the study of Indian culture.
Barbara attended Western High School in Anaheim, where she met John, who would become her husband. Their love story began at the age of 16, leading to their marriage in the summer of 1966.
The couple had three sons, with the loss of their first-born, John, at just 8 weeks old, casting a profound shadow over their lives.
The couple faced challenges, and by 1987, when their oldest left for college, they decided to part ways. Despite the divorce, they maintained a professional collaboration until Barbara's retirement in 2017. In the years that followed, she found companionship with Stan, and their partnership endured until his passing in December 2022. Barbara embraced her role as a grandmother to Dillon and Mackenzie until she moved to a memory care facility in October 2020.
Barbara was characterized by a robust personality, marked by strong opinions, humor, and a passion for conservative politics. An active volunteer, she contributed to monitoring poll sites. Her artistic talents extended to stained glass window making, sewing, and quilting, reflecting her mother's influence. She enjoyed weekly mahjong sessions with friends, attended outdoor storytelling events with Stan, and had a deep love for reading, evident in her home filled with books.
Professionally, Barbara dedicated years to MurCal, initially involved in circuit board soldering before transitioning to the office. She excelled as a purchasing agent, building strong vendor relationships for the benefit of customers. Towards the end of her career, signs of memory decline prompted her retirement.
Barbara cherished her friends, adored her beagles, and explored southern California with Stan. They relished trips to Ojai and Solvang, appreciating good food and dining out. Known for her generosity, Barbara delighted in showering her family with Christmas gifts.
Her declining mental state became apparent in 2017, marked by increased dependence and repetitive questions. In October 2020, the decision to move her to a memory care facility was made, providing improved health care but a continued mental decline. Barbara peacefully passed away on January 16, 2024, after a decline in health following a cold. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, and unwavering beliefs.
