Barbara Stirling Lusk

August 28, 1933 – July 27, 2025

Barbara Stirling Lusk, lovingly known as Babs, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 27th. She was surrounded entirely by love as she entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

Born on August 28, 1933, to Virginia and Robert Stirling, Barbara grew up in the Cheviot Hills area of Los Angeles on Roundtree Road, and spent countless sunny days at the family’s second home on Balboa Island. She had an older brother, Ron (dec’d), and shared an everlasting bond with her identical twin sister, Diane (dec’d).

Barbara married William D. Lusk of Beverly Hills in 1951, and together they had two children, Allison and Robert. The family moved to Newport Beach in 1964, and after their divorce in 1966, Barbara settled in Irvine where she built a joyful and fulfilling life over the next 57 years.

She met the love of her life, Gale Simpson (dec’d), and together, they shared 45 beautiful years filled with laughter, adventure, and love. They traveled the world – taking more cruises than anyone could count and spent time sailing along the California coast on their beloved sailboat, The Septer. Any given weekend you could find them anchored at Catalina Island, as they enjoyed their afternoon strolling through Avalon. Their love for travel was matched only by their love for their dogs, and their devotion to family.

Barbara was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren would beg to spend summer afternoons at Grammy’s house where you’d find them swimming, peeling bark off the Eucalyptus trees, drinking way too much lemonade, and playing endless rounds of matching games! Her home was warm and inviting, and a full wall in her house became known as “The Gallery” – a living tribute to her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandson. She delighted in her family, and was always ready with a hug, a smile, and an “I love you more!”

Barbara and her twin sister Diane were also known as The Toni Twins during their younger years, modeling for publications like McCall’s Magazine. Together, they were active in the community and shared a true zest for life that never faded. Barbara was a proud member of the Southern Orange County Adoption Guild and the Irvine Coast Women’s Club, always eager to lend her time and heart to a good cause.

Babs had a passion for the simple joys in life, and she always delighted in the ordinary – tending to her garden, finding a new charm bracelet for an upcoming party, chatting with neighbors on famously long walks, cheering for her favorite football teams every weekend in Autumn, and ending every day with a scoop of ice cream – a daily ritual she never skipped! Her vibrant spirit gently reminds us that happiness is a choice, and beauty can be found in every moment.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Allison Lusk Mauvezin, and her husband, Chip; her grandchildren: Kendall Dobson and her husband, Daniel; Mitchell Mauvezin; and Alicia Lusk; her great-grandson, Crew Dobson; her nephew, Scott Livingston, his wife, Penny, and their sons, Blake, Beau, and Bryce; and her stepson, David Simpson. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Lusk.

We will miss her bright spirit, her unconditional love, and the way she made every moment feel special. Rest in paradise, Mom! We know Heavenly Father has you wrapped in His arms, and that Robert, Auntie Di, and Gale are celebrating your arrival. Your love lives on in all of us.