A lot can happen in 92 years. And proof of that is Belmont Shore's Barbara Woods, my neighbor. Her life story reads like a history book.
She was born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1919, but the family moved to California shortly after.
At age 9 she learned to surf from Duke Kahanamoku, considered the father of modern surfing. Barbara could be found on her wooden 14' surfboard, at her favorite beach, San Onofre.
Find out what's happening in Belmont Shore-Napleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At age 16, she made her first trip to Yosemite's popular ski resort and could be found skiing there many winter weekends. Her love of skiing led to her helping hammer nails with Dave McCoy when Mammoth Ski Area was built. She was the first woman president of the San Gorgonio Ski Club and had a lifelong involvement with the Santa Monica Ski Club.
When she wasn't surfing and skiing, Barbara could be found water skiing, boating, scuba diving and ice skating.
Find out what's happening in Belmont Shore-Napleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Barbara was one of the first bikini models - an early adopter of the then-daring midriff-baring swimsuit.
Barbara met Dexter, her husband of 38 years, at a beach party in San Onofre. She'd thrown her sleeping bag down the night before, and woke up near him. Barbara and Dexter built one of the first homes in Westchester, then moved to Long Beach near the Long Beach Marina, where they lived together for many years. After Dexter passed away, she married Kenneth Scharfe, her husband of 18 years, before he passed away.
Her love of travel led her to take a four-month, around the world cruise with grand-daughter Tamara.
Until recently, Barbara could be found on her scooter, at community meetings and out for air on sunny days. When her health restricted her movement, she spent her time in her office, drawing, painting, keeping up with Long Beach news and politics and enjoying her view of the lagoon and her lovely garden, of which she was very proud.
Barbara is survived by her sister, Virginia Russell, sons Hap and Robert Wood and many grand and great-grand children.
A private memorial service was held for Barbara at her lagoon home on Saturday, March 17th.
Editor's Note: Trish has been fond of Barbara Wood for several years, lived in her neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with her. She wanted the spotlight on Barbara, but for a few years now, Trish has spoken to friends about how much she admired and has been inspired by Barbara's lifelong interest in the world and many adventures.