BOTFIELD, Barbara

August 1, 1925 - May 2, 2021

Born in West Bromwich, England, Barbara’s most vivid hometown memories involved hearing sirens, and racing through the streets to duck into the closest air raid shelter during WWII. She never lost her love of England and was forever moved to tears by any patriotic image or music from that era. Always an adventurer, at 22, she sailed alone across the Atlantic to Canada, to marry the love of her life, Wil Botfield. They lived in Toronto for 5 years and eventually saved enough money to immigrate into the United States, fulfilling their American Dream. Barbara was extremely proud to become a US citizen in 1957 and wrote a poem about her experience called “A Rare Privilege”.

Barbara loved to entertain and was perfectly happy with the spotlight shining directly on her. She was an exceptional singer. Perhaps one of her proudest moments was singing the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium in 1990.

With a great sense of humor, the quickest way to Barbara’s heart was to laugh at her jokes. She managed a charm and modeling school for years, bringing her British sense of style and class to Southern California. She loved a good “cuppa tea”, a Bourbon & squirt, and made the best mashed potatoes and gravy at every holiday gathering!

She is survived by her 2 daughters Teri and Chelsea, her step son, Gary, her grandchildren Ashton, Jordan, Caley, Wil, Owen, Cody, Chelsy, Ashlea, Leighton, and great grandchildren Jamie, Kobe, Summer, Riley, Isla, Luca and Baby Gray...(who’s almost here!)

Services will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, on Wednesday May 19th at 5pm. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army.