Barbara went home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2011. She was born in Van Nuys, California on March 18, 1943. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Patterson; brothers Tony and Ray Castro; and 5 nephews & nieces, 11 great nephews & nieces, and 4 great-great nephews & nieces. She was married to Patrick for 31 years and they lived in Buellton, CA for over 30 years.
Barbara's life embodied the biblical essence of love, patience, faithfulness, kindness and gentleness. One needed not to go beyond her examples to understand the application of these gifts of the Lord. Her unwavering dedication as primary caregiver to her parents for the last six years of their lives was a daily living-out of her gifts. Our lasting impression is that she basked in the joy of loving us and that she helped us to grasp its wonderful effect.
Barbara's lifestyle changed dramatically, at age 5, when the family moved from Sun Valley, CA to a life of farm and ranch work in Fresno and Clovis, CA. Over the years Barbara would learn to drive a tractor, a large truck, and to tend to livestock. She learned how to control spirited quarter horses and spent many an hour on horseback tending cattle; culminating in the annual spring & fall round-ups. One might expect her to become hardened and abrasive, but no; she retained her wonderful personality and shared it in her work.
Barbara's professional career turned to the world of technology. She worked for forty years in the development and manufacturing of magnetic heads and associated computer hardware. She dedicated herself to one corporation, which transitioned from Applied Magnetics, in Goleta, CA, to Seagate in Santa Maria, CA. She progressed to the position of Engineering Coordinator and represented the corporation on many business trips. Her personality remained unchanged.
Barbara had a wonderful flair for art application. She displayed her talents in Calligraphy, Toll Painting, Egg Decorating and many other outlets. Her collection of western arts & native Indian jewelry is remarkable. The common thread in her living of life is that she knew her loves and embraced them no matter where her endeavors took her. The center of her love was her Savior, Jesus Christ, then family and friends. To be loved by Barbara was something to be cherished and to be given to others. She enriched our lives.
Barbara was released from the bonds of this earth and has passed into the glorious presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Her family rejoices in knowing that the pains and afflictions that burdened Barbara have been lifted from her, and more so, because she is reunited with her beloved Mom and Dad.
The family thanks Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital, Cottage Hospital and Serenity House, of Santa Barbara, for their loving and professional care and support.
A memorial service will be held in her honor 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17th, 2011 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.