Obituary of Barbara C. Jefferson

Barbara Chase Jefferson died peacefully at home on October 5, 2014 with her husband and family by her side. She was 89 years old. Barbara was a well-known kindergarten teacher - working at Hope School, Monte Vista School and finally, at Vieja Valley School. During her 30 year teaching career, she was voted Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year and developed a unique innovation called "Identity Dolls" that helped each child create a soft doll with handmade clothing and sweaters that resembled the student. Barbara's insightful use of the figures as a teaching aid was profiled in education magazines. Barbara was known throughout the community for her positive attitude toward life and her innate skill as a teacher. She mentored dozens of student teachers from UCSB and shaped their classroom skills. Barbara is survived by her loving husband, designer/builder Henry Jefferson, three children, three stepchildren, ten grandchildren and two surviving sisters, Gretchen Miller and Nancy Chase. A memorial service will be held outdoors at Franceschi Park located at 1501 Franceschi Road at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11. Friends of Barbara are invited to attend.