Barbara Berta Wood

Barbara B. Wood was born on June 1, 1925 to Xavier and Barbara Holzer in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. She had two sisters, Betty and Rosa, and a brother, Sepp. All are deceased, but Barbara has extensive family in Germany with whom she remained close all her long life.

Barbara was a war bride and came to the States with her husband, Darrel Ahlstrom, in 1947. Their daughter, Adrianna, was born at Fort Ord in 1949. The marriage failed and Barbara began caring for children in her home to earn a living. This is how she met James “Woody” Wood, whose wife Wanda had died and left him with his young daughter, Susan.

Barbara and Woody married in 1957 and made their home in Jack’s Peak. They had a son, Wayne in 1959. Woody earned his contractor license and together, with Barbara’s savvy business and design sense, they forged a partnership building many custom homes on the peninsula over the years.

Barbara was an effervescent, spirited woman. She could light up a room with her sparkle. Small in stature, formidable in spirit, she could move mountains, and make the earth shake. She could bring Germany to California, and California to Germany.

Barbara dreamed big, and worked hard to make the dreams come true. She was generous with her success, sharing her blessings with others. Even when she had little to give, she always gave it freely to others. She gave the most important gifts. She gave of her time, she gave of her labor, she gave of her home. Famous for her Christmas cookies, the abundance of her Meyer lemon trees, her homemade jams and jellies, she shared them all.

Those who came to know her discovered the power of her love. Her caring spirit comforted many during her long and very active life. She eased others’ pain, helped solve many problems, and always stood by when people were in need of a special friend. She was always there for them. With her compassion and zest for life, Barbara made friendships so strong that those friends became family.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Woody in 2018 after enjoying 61 years of marriage. She leaves behind their son Wayne and his wife Kellie, daughter Adrianna and her husband Jon, daughter Susan, whose husband Curt passed away in 2021, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many deeply loved friends.

Barbara was a force, a radiant star. She has passed away, but as a friend observed, a smile like hers lasts forever. The legacy of Barbara and Woody is strong and will always live on in our hearts.