For a petite lady, Barbara White has had—and, amazingly, continues to have—a BIG LIFE. Not only as a spunky nonagenarian Pickleball player and relentless pursuer of upgrading her Bridge Game, but also as one who is addicted to keeping her well-put-together body in practically perpetual motion by walking, morning swims in Seacrest’s indoor pool, Tai-Chi classes, dancing during Seacrest’s Thursday afternoon Happy Hour, participating in our community’s various social events and more.

Yet, when asked about the highlights of her life, Barbara W. responds without a moment’s hesitation: “Bringing three amazing beings into the world and having the privilege of being their mother!” Although she takes no credit for her part in their upbringing, one can clearly see her influence on the successful lives of her two sons and accomplished daughter.

She does, however, credit her evolution from the duty-shackled daughter, wife, homemaker and mother she and many members of our female generation share, to trying on such versatile work as writing and performing in TV commercials, voice-over readings, acting in plays produced by a community theatre, and learning both jazz- and toe-dancing (in her 40s!). While pursuing higher education, she continued teaching  Breathwork, Primal Scream Therapy and other  psychological self-help methods with which she helped her clients over many years of practice—while also accelerating her own growth with studies leading to more degrees and by practicing self-hypnosis.

A world-traveler, Barbara honed her spiritual journey in such exotic places as Tibet, Morocco, China and Japan; rounded out her cultural, artistic and culinary education in various European venues, learned to fly a small plane and developed a passion for sailing on a 49-foot Gulf-Star vessel piloted by her second husband throughout the Caribbean islands. (Although she admits to being only a ‘fair-weather sailor,’ fearful of stormy seas.)

Nor is Barbara W. done adventuring yet, as she is planning to join her family on a cruise to Alaska’s Inland Passage in the fall, while spending the rest of the time attending plays at various San Diego theatres, dining out and taking seaside walks with old friends and applying her keen eye for bargains while shopping for value-priced clothes and foods.

At most Seacrest meals and activities, it is easy to spot Barbara W. wearing one of her stylish outfits, engaged in lively conversations with fellow residents and sometimes busy assisting anyone appearing to have difficulty navigating an activity or dealing with temporary loss of balance in the dining room.

Having experienced her helpfulness the first time I came to dinner on the day I moved into Seacrest on September 2022, I have been grateful ever since for her noticing my (at the time) downhearted condition due to the recent loss of my beloved husband, and for taking me under her wing by inviting me to her table—where I have been dining most evenings ever since.

Written by Dina Eliash Robinson