Barbara Anne Carlson

Barbara Anne Carlson peacefully passed away at home December 16, 2012. Her eighty remarkable years began September 8, 1932 in Biloxi Mississippi with her parents Velma and Oliver Ryan. Barbara grew up mastering authentic southern style feasts with her mom and working along side her father growing chrysanthemums with great skill and love. After graduating from D’Iberville High School in 1951, she moved with her parents to Oakland, California. While working at General Telephone Company, she met her husband William Carlson and they were wed in 1956. Over the next twenty years Barbara had four children, two boys, two girls. In 1975 they settled in Sonoma Valley and Barbara began working for the Sonoma Valley Unified School District–Adult Night School. Three years later she began working for California Department of Forestry until retiring in 1987. In 1991 she delighted in the birth of her only grandchildren Melissa and Alexandra. In 1992 her love of nature blossomed when she became a docent at Bouverie Preserve. For the next twenty years she shared her time between Bouverie, her family and her garden. She loved sharing nature with children and being Secretary of the Board at Bouverie Preserve, Chair of Advanced Training, Juniper Committee Creek Day co-Chair, Juniper Mentor, Docent Training Mentor, as well as ~ Kitchen Chair for Docent Training and overnights at ACR. She treasured the thousands of hours spent on the trail with children and fellow docents. She would always say, “that was my best hike and my best children.” She went on to inspire many including her daughter-in-law Bouverie Docent Joyce Carlson, and her Bouverie Juniper granddaughters Melissa and Alexandra. Three generations loving nature together was very special to her. Barbara also volunteered in developing and leading hikes on The Sonoma Overlook Trail and Shollenberger Nature Preserve. She will forever be in our hearts and minds; a true inspiration to all of us fortunate to know her and walk with her. Barbara is survived by her husband William, her children William Jr., David, Julia, Caroline; and her grandchildren Melissa and Alexandra. We are forever thankful to Hospice by the Bay and their wonderful team who helped Barbara on her journey. A private family service was held on December 19th and a public service will be announced.