Barbara Heard

January 28, 1928 - October 12, 2022

Barbara Woods Heard 1928– 2022 Barbara Woods-Heard, age 94, died at home in Carmichael, California, on October 12, 2022 surrounded by her three children. Barbara was born in 1928 in Oakland, California to Dr. Leonard Woods and Louise Woods. She and her beloved older brother, Dr Leonard Woods, (deceased), were raised in Piedmont, California where she attended Piedmont High- class of 46’. She went on to graduate from UC Berkeley in 1950, where she was a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. Barbara and her late husband, Bartlett Bradford Heard Jr. (Brad) were married in 1954 and resided in the San Francisco East Bay where they raised three children. Early in their marriage they bought a home on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, and the home became a wonderful gathering place for friends and family. Brad passed away in 1971. Thirty years later, she married Robert (Bob) Bernard, and they shared their time together in San Francisco, Orinda, Lake Tahoe, as well as traveling extensively until his death in 2008. Barbara moved to Sacramento in 2017 to be closer to her growing family.

Just after college Barbara taught grade school briefly, then landed a job with CBS in San Francisco before marrying Brad. She later enjoyed over 30 years of volunteer work, 20 with the United Way, a key part of the granting committee, and 10 as Foundation chair at John Muir Hospital. Barbara was also affiliated with the World Affairs Council, a member of Town and Gown in Berkeley, and a Life Trustee at The Heard Museum. She treasured her book club of over 50 years! Most important to her were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the gratitude she felt for having such a loving family. After the passing of her first husband, she became the pillar of her family, and was a role model for many beyond that. She had sparkling blue eyes and a beauty that never ebbed. She embodied grace, style, morality, kindness and graciousness.

She is survived by her children: Laurie Poage, David Heard, Katherine Landers, (Logan), stepchildren: David Bernard, (Julie) and Michele Barnes.

Grandchildren: Bartlett Heard, (Nicole), Meghan Heard, Timothy Heard, (Grace), Brian Poage, (Megan), Kevin Poage, (Alina), and Christopher Landers.

And seven great grandchildren.

A service will be held at St. Michaels Episcopal Church 2140 Mission Ave, Carmichael, CA

Saturday, November 12th, at 11AM, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Food Bank and St. Michael’s church.