Obituary of Barbara Watson Chase

Barbara Watson Chase passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024 at 98 years old at her home in Thousand Oaks, California.

Barbara was born February 3, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. She came of age during the Great Depression and World War II, among the most tumultuous periods in US history. Barbara’s mother divorced her father when she was a toddler. Because she was abandoned by both her biological and adoptive fathers and her mother spent much of her time away pursuing her career as a silent movie actress, Barbara and her older sister spent much of their childhood in and out of boarding schools.

When Barbara reached her teens, she blossomed into a beautiful and intelligent young woman. Barbara had many friends, including Paula Chase, who introduced Barbara to her brother, John Chase. Barbara and John became sweethearts when Barbara was 15.  They married 4-years later after John returned from the war in 1945 and remained married for 72-years until John passed away. Their son Christopher was born one year later in 1946.  Daughter Pamela followed in 1948 and their youngest daughter, Kathleen was born in 1959.

When Pamela was just 7 months old, she became seriously ill, ran a high-fever, and suffered brain damage that left her developmentally disabled.  This was very challenging for Barbara and John.

In spite of the challenges that Barbara suffered in her early life, she rose above them and was a devoted housewife and mother. She provided her family with a consistently clean and safe home with tasty and healthy meals. Barbara was always loyal, thoughtful and, most importantly, loving to her family. She was always available and could be counted on to do whatever was necessary to care for her family.

Barbara was the consummate homemaker.  She was a skilled seamstress, decorator, entertainer, and chef. Both John and Barbara maintained a large network of friends and family. They were always impeccably dressed for the occasion and hosted many memorable events.

Barbara not only provided an excellent role model for her children and grandchildren, she also generously passed on her skills to them.

Barbara is pre-deceased by her husband John and her daughter Pamela.  She will be deeply missed but always revered, especially by her children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.