Barbara Dabel ’89 on April 20, 2009. Barbara was born as Barbara Ethel Walker on January 2, 1942 to Archibald and Blanche Walker. She grew up on her family’s turkey ranch at the corner of King and Tully Roads with her older sister Patricia. Barbara was a member of the first graduating class of Andrew Hill High School. She graduated from San Jose State with an art major and her teaching credential. Her teaching career started at Sheppard Middle, Pala Middle, Mt. Pleasant Elementary and LeyVa Middle Schools. Barbara then got her masters and administrative credential from Santa Clara University. She later worked at Cedar Grove Elementary, Quimby Oak Middle, Carlton Elementary and Alta Vista Elementary Schools as a principal. Her compassion for the students and her enthusiasm for their education are remembered by many. Barbara is survived by her husband Walter of 46 years, daughters Heather Hignite (Dennis) and Melissa Davis (Matt) and grandchildren Chloe, Liam and Corey. Friends and family eagerly awaited Barbara’s hand-drawn Christmas cards that depicted many events of the past year. She was an animal lover and helped her daughters raise countless rabbits, pigs and sheep. Her cats were her special companions. Barbara helped Walt with raising giant pumpkins, irises, dahlias and countless other plants and flowers. She was a supporter of the new Alum Rock Library, serving as president of the Friends of the Library group. Barbara passed away peacefully at home on April 10 after a long struggle with cancer. Her family was with her in her final days and her cats helped to keep her comfortable.