Barbara Jean Chandler

Barbara Chandler was born “Barbara Jean Coleman” on May 19, 1926, to John and Esther Coleman in Los Angeles, California at White Memorial Hospital. Barbara was the oldest of four children and is survived by her youngest brother, Alan Coleman. In her early years, Barbara worked many jobs, however, her most important, long lasting, and rewarding job, was commander and chief of the Chandler 7 and running the household like a finely tuned automobile.

Barbara met Jerry Chandler and they married on August 25, 1952. Along with sons Jim and Dick, they went on to have three more children, Kathleen, Donald, and Susan. They were married 65 years before Jerry passed on June 13, 2017.

Barbara was well known in the South Pasadena area and loved her community. She had many friends including a sewing group that stayed together for over 60 years. Many of her friends talked weekly or more often. Barbara and husband Jerry hosted many social events in their home over the years that was great fun for family and friends. One very special event that she orchestrated was the “Summer of 1975 in South Pasadena”. Several of her nephews, son Don, and daughter Susan spent a world wind summer filled with a tour of southern CA, camping, road trips, unbelievable fun, and mischievous secrets known only by a few (although Barbara would say she knew exactly what those boys were up to!). That summer is remembered fondly by many as a “life changing event”.

Barbara loved spending time with her children. She was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching Dodger games and football with her daughter Kathleen. With her son Dick, she was there to share in the joy of the birth of his first child. Susan gained a life-long love of reading after their many trips to the South Pasadena library. Her eldest son Jim, admired her most for her spirit of independence, her love for America and what it stands for, and their discussions of politics, religion, current events, and everything under the sun. She loved placing a weekly cross on Don’s forehead as he traveled on work trips. She also spent many hours with all her grandchildren, just talking, listening and providing the unconditional love she was most known for.

Barbara was a spiritual person and her home was filled with angels, statues and other “chotskies” that she loved and collected from all over the world. She and Jerry loved to travel and spent time abroad, including 3 months in France. They also traveled every year in August to the Pacific Northwest to visit Jerry’s family in Washington State. Meanwhile, much to the chagrin of youngest son Don, Jerry would research the whereabouts of Catholic Church’s throughout the Northwest. And yes even in the wilderness, the family attended Mass in even the smallest of towns.

Barbara was an outstanding planner, facilitator, and organizer. Those that knew her really well, knew she ran a tight ship and was “no-nonsense” with a husband and five kids in tow. In her later years punctuality became a must, which had her children scratching their heads… Her youngest son Donald fondly recalls “as a young child having to dance with a “boy” at the Mayflower Dance at El Centro school, because she was always late!”

Something else that was so special about Barbara was her beautiful personalized notes (written in tiny handwriting), that so many of us received on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or “just because.” Her kindness and thoughtfulness are cherished by all.

Barbara left this earth peacefully in her sleep, with loved ones by her side. She was dedicated to her family and touched the lives of many people during her 94 years. Her love and support was felt by all that knew her.

She is survived by five children-Jim and wife Fran, Richard and wife Linda, Donald, Kathleen, Susan and husband Dave, her brother Alan and wife Muriel, her sister in law Molly and husband Tom, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.liveoakmonrovia.com for the Chandler family.