Barbara Main

It is with a heavy heart that we announce our mother, Barbara Main, passed away on May 30, 2026 at the age of 95. Born in the Territory of Hawai’i in 1931 to parents Ralph and Nancy Coombs, Barbara was an only child who spent her early years on the Islands and travelled back and forth via ship to the US. After brief stints in

New York and Oregon, her parents settled in Chula Vista in the late 30s. As was common at the time, Barbara and her mother moved around from one small furnished house to another while her father was on Naval duty overseas. Eventually the family built their permanent home on Minot St.

Barbara was in the first graduating class of Chula Vista High School in 1948 where she was active in clubs, band and was honored to be crowned the school’s first Homecoming Queen. After high school, Barbara attended the University of Redlands and was a member of the Alpha Theta Phi sorority. With a degree in Education, Barbara

devoted 45 years to education, teaching elementary school in Whittier and Laguna, eventually returning back to Chula Vista at Castle Park and Glen Rodgers schools.

While raising her children, she moved on to teach ESL at Southwestern College, shaping the lives of countless students.

Always active in the community, Barbara was a member of the Star Lark and Rady’s Children’s Health Auxiliaries, Las Primeras as well as PEO. She was an avid bridge player, a wonderful gardener and keen crossword puzzler. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to go to many countries over the years, gathering memories and

lifelong friends all over the world. She loved all of her many cats and dogs, especially her current dog Zoe.

Barbara is survived by her four children Scott Blackstone, Cynthia Main Koral, Lisa Main Rettberg and Nancy Main as well as her grandchildren Cameron Stangel, Hannah Stangel, Josh Rettberg, Nate Rettberg, Tim Rettberg, Stella Garza, Violet Garza, Desmond Blackstone, Maya Blackstone, John Main, Jennifer Killion, Elisabeth Corradini; her great grandchildren August Rettberg-Speed, Shiloh Rettberg-Speed, Emilia Killion, Sarah Killion, Isaac Killion, the Corradini children Theo, Anja, Pia, Naemi, Manuel and soon to be born Kaia Rettberg. Her step-children Mike and Kristina Main were also part of her life.

In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations in her memory to the San Diego Zoo or Lambs Players Theatre in Coronado. Celebration of Life service will be held at Glen Abbeys' Little Chapel of the Roses on June 20, 2026 at 10am with a light reception immediately following on site.