Barbara G. Goulette
October 27, 1933 - June 25, 2017
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Barbara G. Goulette
October 27, 1933 - June 25, 2017
Obituary
Barbara Gail Goulette
Resident of Laguna Beach
Barbara passed away on June 25, 2017. Barbara is survived by her son Lance Goulette and her three grandchildren: Mitchell L. and Kevin L. Goulette and Monica L. Goulette. Barbara was born October 27, 1933 in Long Beach, CA to the late Betty Anderson (Horsch) and Mack Anderson. She was raised in San Diego, CA, attending Rosary High School and graduating from San Diego State University before receiving her teaching credential. She then embarked upon her working life as a devoted educator, teaching for almost thirty years at the primary grade levels throughout the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Her focus was teaching Special Education classes for special needs students and she took tremendous pride in her efforts to help get those students back in mainstream classroom programs.
After she retired from her teaching career, Barbara began a 20 plus year commitment in the volunteer arena. She spent several years volunteering as an aide in Mrs. Roberta Goodman’s second grade class at El Morro School in Laguna Beach. She also volunteered at the Laguna Beach Susi Q senior center calling out the weekly bingo game numbers and working in the kitchen.
Never one to idly sit by, Barbara was always looking forward to her next activity, and started each day waiting for the morning paper to arrive so she could get busy solving the daily Sudoku number puzzle, the Jumble scrambled word game and the crossword puzzle.
Throughout her life Barbara was an independent spirit. In the early 1960’s she was divorced from her husband and moved with her young son to Laguna Beach. Barbara always had an open door for Lance’s friends and she was appreciated and cared about by many of them. Through her last days, many of them stopped by and visited with her, helping her out when they could.
Barbara’s independent spirit could also be seen through her travel logs and pictures. She fearlessly traveled the world, sometimes alone. Her recent trips included a five day whale watching trip to San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California and, before that, a three week safari to Africa, both trips she had dreamed of for years and was so grateful to finally take. Trips to Mexico and Belize were also regular occurrences. In addition to her fifty plus years as a resident of Laguna Beach, Barbara lived part-time in Homer, Alaska for many years.
Barbara had a gift for friendship and maintained treasured relationships throughout her life. Her friendships were all very dear to her and she had many close friends. Friends were cultivated from fellow teachers, travelers, neighbors and her circle of volunteers. She often conversed with complete strangers and ended up establishing lasting friendships.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 with a reception to follow. www.oconnormortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.
4 responses to Barbara G. Goulette
Ann Shonstrom says:
June 29, 2017
I remember the train ride down to San Diego to celebrate Barbara’s 80th birthday. I was pretty groggy in the morning. We all had some champagne at lunch and we talked up a storm on the ride back to Irvine. And I learned of Barbara’s love of animals. Since I am an animal person, I was able to share some of the animal emails I received, and loved the fact that I could share them with her..
Ann Shonstrom
Leah Vasquez says:
June 29, 2017
Our 46 years as neighbors and the beautiful roses you lovingly tended still bloom,their
petals are reminders of our time, children , family, friends and this community we enjoyed and how beautiful life is.
Rest in Peace Dear Barbara.
Leah Vasquez
Bluebird Canyon
Char Takahashi says:
July 10, 2017
Barbara will always remain in my memory as a lovely, lively lady. Many years at Valencia Elementary School meant many conversations about students we worked with, though we first met at Lomarena years before. Barb always had a travel adventure to share and we enjoyed recent trips with the Riviera Club. We even had a common interest in Homer, Alaska, though during that time, I missed out on a trip on the private train car. And then there were always the happy hour gatherings !
My favorite memory will be from this last April on a trip to the San Diego Museum of Art to see floral arrangements representing selected pieces of art. Barbara was so excited and so enjoyed this exhibit of Art Alive — especially because she was with longtime teacher buddies and friends from Riviera Club. That was a Happy Day !
Mare Stephens says:
July 14, 2017
I didn’t know Barbara very well. She taught RSP (resource program) that pulled out some of my 5th grade students. Her deep caring for the children was always evident and she was all business about seeing to their needs. I always enjoyed chatting with her when I had the chance which wasn’t often since our recesses were’t at the same time. Her no nonsense, practicality was good for me in my airy fairy idealism. We shared a connection to animals so I will donate to my favorite animal rescue and you will receive a note from them. When I heard Barbara was ill, I also heard what a wonderful son she had. Of course, I was not surprised. She had a positive influence on everyone she met and will be greatly missed.
Mare Stephens, Valencia