Barbara Jean Martin

    Barbara Jean Martin died at her home of 49 years on August 16, 2012 with her husband Jerry by her side.  She was 80 when she left this earth to be with her God.

   Barbara was born December 19, 1931 in Whittier, California
to Harold and Mary Van Slyke. She met Jerry in Oakland on a blind date on August 28, 1953 and they married on December 15, 1955.

   Barbara and Jerry moved to Angels Camp in 1963 and Barbara devoted her life to being a loving wife and mother to her two sons.

   She was a person of strong Christian faith and an active member of the Union Congregational Church in Angels Camp for over 45 years, where she had many lifelong friends.

   Barbara loved to travel and often planned trips around the U.S. and abroad. She made many friends on these trips who she stayed connected with until her last days.

    What Barbara enjoyed most of all was her family and being a Grandma. She took seven trips to Disneyland with her granddaughters, as well as several other trips and a cruise, and visited them almost every Friday for nearly 17 years.

    She also loved the ocean and took many family trips to Capitola and San Francisco.

    Barbara is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jerry, sons Scott (Jeanne) and Terry, and granddaughters Kristen and Laura.  She is also survived by her step-son Dana DeMoulin (Gloria) and their daughters Alyssa and Chez.

    The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the loving and compassionate people from Hospice who provided such wonderful care and support to Barbara and her family during the last few months.

   We would also like to thank all of the caring people in this community who provided support and reached out to the family in this difficult time.

   Barbara (mom) was a friend to all, whether in the line at the grocery store or at the Post Office and touched many lives during her 80 years.

   This is evident by the response we have received from this community and it is greatly appreciated.

   A gathering to celebrate the life of Barbara Martin will be held at Friendship Hall at the Union Congregational Church in Angels Camp at 1 PM on October 13, 2012.

   Please come and join us to tell stories and remember this wonderful lady.

   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Make a Wish" foundation or to any hospice organization of your choice.