Barbara Pärli Burton

February 9, 1924 - November 12, 2017

Barbara Pärli Burton passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, surrounded by the love and family she helped create.

Barbara, (Mother, Mrs. Burton or Oma as she was called) was born on February 9, 1924 in Herzogenbuchsee, Switzerland where she was raised and lived until finishing college in Neuchatel in 1946. She spoke eight languages which led her to accept a job as a translator for the U.S. military in post-war Frankfurt, Germany. It was there, in 1947 that she met SMAJ Loyal E. Burton, her husband until his death in 1995. Together they raised six children while being stationed in Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, Germany, Ft. Riley, Kansas, Verdun, France, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Ludwigsburg, Germany and finally Oakland, California in 1968. It was then that they moved into their home for the next 48 years on Gainesville Ave. in Hayward.

Barbara thrived on conversation, walks in nature, good food and the requisite ‘excellent wine’. Wherever she lived she created an environment that was open and welcoming to others.

The Burton household was always an active, full place, known for it’s acceptance and vitality. Barbara was at her best when shepherding an energized pack of children for a hike at Coyote Hills or an afternoon on the beach in Half Moon Bay.

Her boundless energy and physical fitness kept those around her in awe well into her final years.

She is survived by her children, Mike, Jim, Barbara, Bob, John and Patty, their spouses, 12 grandchildren, sister-in-law Simone Pärli, two nieces and 4 grand nephews and nieces.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dina, George and Veo at Fairbanks Home Care in Castro Valley for the loving care they provided Barbara.

A secular celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Hayward Senior Center, 22325 N 3rd St, in Hayward from 4-9pm. All who knew Barbara are invited to join her family for an informal gathering to toast, share stories and celebrate this remarkable woman.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to Alzheimer’s research or a charity of your choice