My Life

My story starts when I was born at Santa Barbara’s St. Francis Hospital in 1922. I spent my childhood on the Campbell Ranch which is now part of UCSB’s Education campus and was the site for Devereaux School. In fact, I sprained my ankle jumping down from a loft of the Red Barn on the Campbell Ranch. That Ranch was spectacular, and they had many visiting guests. Col. and Mrs. Campbell were such kind people.

I was in the first class to attend Goleta Union School and went there until about eight years old or so when my family moved into the city of Santa Barbara, and I went to Dolores School. I have such sweet memories of my youth, including camping in Refugio Canyon, attending barn dances in Santa Ynez, and participating in Fiesta celebrations. I even remember my father carrying me out to a field during the great 1925 Earthquake. We stayed in a tent for weeks while our home was being repaired.

I attended Catholic Girls High School and after high school graduation, continued on to Santa Barbara Business College for about a year. Later I worked at the El Paseo Restaurant and eventually worked for the Pacific Telephone Company.

I even remember my father carrying me out to a field during the great 1925 Earthquake. We stayed in a tent for weeks while our home was being repaired.

In 1941, WWII was declared and I remember the 1942 shelling at Elwood Oil Field by a Japanese submarine. It scared everyone so much. I remember coming out of the theater and rumors about the attack were flying. Of course, everything was greatly exaggerated but I went right home from the movie.

I met my husband Jack during the WWII years; he was a young lieutenant stationed at Lompoc. The soldiers would come to Santa Barbara on leave. After the war, he returned to Santa Barbara but there was a serious housing shortage so we lived with my parents for a time. We eventually got our own place in Hoff Heights temporary housing. Later we were able to buy a cute house off of Cheltenham Road, not too far from the Mission, which I feel is one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful landmarks.

My husband Jack was recalled into the military during the Korean War; we left Santa Barbara and did not return until 1968. During those 18 years that he was in the Army, we traveled the country and the world, living in France, Germany, Louisiana, Indianapolis, Seattle, and several other places. We had six children (Marty, Terry, Tish, Deborah, Michael, and Stephanie). Sadly, I have outlived my husband and two of our daughters. 

I loved my travels with Jack and our six children, but always wanted to return home to Santa Barbara – I told Jack it did not matter even if I had to live in a shack on the beach! When we finally returned home to Santa Barbara, I saw so much change and growth. Many years ago, it was much like any small town, but now it is so busy.

We lived on Camelia Lane and later on Grove Lane, not far from Wood Glen Senior Living where I have now lived for over 10 years. I was active in San Roque parish, Catholic Daughters, and served as a docent at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club. I drove past Wood Glen often; it has always been a beautiful place. I love living at Wood Glen and appreciate the wonderful staff who are so caring and helpful. It was wonderful celebrating my 103rd birthday here with family and friends!