Barbara Belle (McFarland) Dujardin

Barbara was the eldest of three children born to Harold Eugene McFarland and Emma Viola Gunderson McFarland Burns on July 1, 1926 in her grandparent’s ranch in Redwood Valley, CA. The family of five lived in many homes during the Depression years, moving to where ever work was available. The money Barbara earned picking prunes/tomatoes purchased school clothes in the late thirties. It meant a trip to Oakland for a shopping day, lunch at a cafeteria. Birthday money was spent in the Five & Dime store where there were writing supplies, paper, pencils, etc. Many large family gatherings in her youth were spent in Redwood Valley or Willits creating the foundation and inspiration for her writings.

Barbara graduated from Napa High School in June of 1944, attended Napa College pursuing her interest in writing, poetry and photography. During World War II, Barb worked at Mare Island after she graduated from high school.

She met Al at the Hospitality House on Main Street in Napa at the age of 18. When they danced that first evening, Barb said she couldn’t explain it but knew that she would marry the 19 year old sailor. They did tie the knot on September 29, 1945. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Lake County for a few days. Their first home was a Quonset hut in National City followed by a Quonset hut on Mare Island. The young couple then settled in Napa. They both worked at Fairfield Air Base, now known as Travis.

Together Barb and Al raised four children, living in Napa, Paradise, Chico then back to Napa. After Al retired they moved to the Lassen Park area where they lived in the family cabin nestled beside Hat Creek. Eventually they returned to Napa to be closer to family. Barb’s interest in writing, poetry and photography continued throughout her life, along with baking, making jewelry, drama and genealogy. Barbara’s sister Gloria remembers her as the family historian who used her skills to leave us with interesting characterizations of members of previous generations. Her poetry collections also reflects family life, good times, and a strong faith to help weather the bad times. Her photo albums documented the many moments during each of our lives of family and friend gatherings, of trips with her grandchildren enjoying the comfort of sandy ocean beaches that she so loved; of times the grandchildren spent fishing and exploring the mountainous property around Hat Creek.

Barbara is survived by Al, her loving husband of 72 years, daughters, Diane, Susan (Ray), Barbie (Scott), sister, Gloria, grandchildren, Gretchen (Joe), Nicole (Mike), Zach, Nate (Deb), great grandchildren, Sam and Sophia, nieces, Dixie, Vickey, nephews, Jim, David, many cousins, great nieces, great nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her son, David Paul Dujardin and her brother Eugene Harold McFarland. The family will announce a memorial service for Barbara at a later date. The family suggests donations in memory of Barbara go to St. Jude, Shriners, local fundraisers for fire victims or the charity of your choice

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