Barbara Stetson LaMothe

Barbara Stetson LaMothe was called home to be with The Lord on September 25th, 2017 at 10:35 pm after wrestling with cancer and the effects of chemotherapy. Barbara began her amazing life on December 28th, 1940 in Washington DC being born to Huldah and Robert Stetson. She grew up in the small town of Mullica Hill, New Jersey where she enjoyed being a member of the female rifle-drill team and enjoyed archery. Barbara continued her high school education at St. Johnsbury, Vermont and later studied to be a medical secretary at Pierce Junior College in Philadelphia. She moved to New York City as a young woman and worked in Manhattan for the American Institute for Chemical Engineers and later as a “girl Friday” for an Import/Export firm.

In 1967 during a vacation trip across Canada with a friend, she took a side trip to visit her aunt and uncle in California where she met the future love of her life, Earl LaMothe. After a 2 year correspondence, she and Earl were married in 1969 on their 4th date and settled briefly in Pomona, California where they had two children, David and Daniel. Earl’s job then brought them to Saudi Arabia for over two years during which time Barbara and her young family traveled around Europe, North Africa and Sri Lanka. They returned to the United States and re-settled in San Diego County, setting down roots in Oceanside, California. Barbara worked for the Vista Unified School District for 22 years, initially as an aid for troubled teens in an “opportunity class” and then as the school secretary at Grapevine Elementary.

Barbara was a selfless servant her entire life and sought out countless ways to volunteer in her community. She was a lector at St. Margaret’s Catholic Parish for many years, taught First Holy Communion, volunteered at Brother Benno’s Thrift Store, worked on Church support projects as part of the St. Mary Altar Society and served as “mom” to the neighborhood kids in Tri-City. It was commonplace for Barbara to open her home to friends and strangers alike. She enjoyed having fun also and enjoyed being a member of a local Red Hat Society group where she and Earl would get together with friends.

Both enjoyed travel to visit family and friends in Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Arizona. In recent years, They had the opportunity to work off some “bucket list” items including trips to Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert A Stetson, III. She is survived by her husband, Earl; their son David A. LaMothe, wife Susie, daughters Camille and Julia; their son Daniel R. LaMothe, wife Ann, sons Stephan (and wife Ashley and Daughter Addelyn) and Nathan.

Barbara’s life will be celebrated with a Vigil Service at 7 PM on Monday, October 2nd and a Memorial Mass at 11 AM followed by a Reception on Tuesday, October 3rd at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 609 Pier View Way in Oceanside, California.

In lieu of Flowers, the family suggests donations to the Brother Benno Foundation of Oceanside, or St. Mary, Star of the Sea Pantry in Oceanside or a charity of your choice. Tributes and condolences may be shared at the obituaries page at Eternal Hills obituary page at www.-------