Barbara Jean (Dowd) Peters

Barbara was born and raised in Hanford in a traditional Catholic family. She attended McCarthy School, as did all her siblings, and later graduated from Hanford High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, while spending time with her best friend, Susan, Barbara became interested in Susan’s brother, Bob. Their connection was immediate, and before long, Barbara and Bob, along with Susan and Phil, traveled to Lake Tahoe, where all four were married on the same day, June 20, 1970. It was a story we all loved, and the four have remained close throughout their entire lives.

Over the years, Barbara held many roles. Early in her career, she worked as a medical transcriptionist for local physicians, later joining Charlie Castles in his CPA office. In time, she discovered a deep passion for helping others and became a reflexologist and life coach. During these years, she developed a love for yoga and formed lasting friendships within her yoga community. She especially enjoyed leading workshops at her dear friend Luciana’s studio.

Of all the roles Barbara held, her most cherished were “Mom” and, later, “Mimi.” She devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her boys and fondly reminisced about family ski trips, vacations to Hawaii, and time spent at their home on Lake Nacimiento. During those years raising her boys, she volunteered with many local organizations, served on the Board of McCarthy School, and even modeled for local clothing stores. In 2001, she became a “Mimi,” and this brought her life a new and profound sense of joy and pride.

Her grandchildren will always remember the magic of time spent at Mimi’s house—baking homemade chocolate cupcakes (with frosting made from scratch, of course), making snow cones, hosting tea parties on the child-sized kitchen table she had made just for them, playing for hours in the playroom, or enjoying time in the backyard playing in the spa and sandbox. Every moment with Mimi was filled with love, laughter, and fun. Her beloved grandchildren will forever hold these precious memories close to their hearts.

Barbara passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin K. Dowd and Geraldine Dowd, and her brothers-in-law, Michael Johnston and Tom Martella. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Bob; her sons, Tom Hopkins of Oregon, Bobby Peters and Denise of Hanford, and David Peters and Leah of New Jersey; and her cherished grandchildren, Kristin Soverns, Quinn Ashly, Blake, Emily and Tyler Peters, Bailey Arnold-Peters, Curtis Loughridge, and Korryn Kennedy. She is also survived by her five siblings—Mary Johnston, Marty Dowd, Shirley Martella, Gary Dowd (Gina), and Patty Avila (Mike)—as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family and friends and will be forever remembered for the love and joy she brought into their lives. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to her dear friend/turned caregiver, Lucianna Borba, who provided such loving care to Barbara in her final days.

A Celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Sunday, April 26th at 3 pm at Off the Vine, 110 E. 7th Street, Hanford.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Hanford Education Foundation. Contributions may be made online at https://hanfordeducationfoundation47.wildapricot.org/page-18121 or by mail to Hanford Education Foundation, 300 W 6th Street, Hanford, CA 93230.