It was thanks to a visit to the Rose Bowl in 1951 that Barbara Gerwe M.A. ’84, M.A. ’95 built her life in the Golden State. She thought, “Why would you live anywhere else but California?” She met a handsome Navy lieutenant named Eugene in San Diego, which led to 68 years of marriage, seven children, three cross-country moves, and many retirement years full of world travel with family and friends. Barbara was a continuous force for good as an elementary school teacher, devout Catholic, and volunteer. Her favorite t-shirt read “The best things in life aren’t things.” Barbara died July 10, 2023, and is survived by family including daughter Margaret Gerwe ’88 and son Peter Gerwe ’81.