In 1944, Barbara said yes to a proposal from her longtime sweetheart, Aubrey Bright of Santa Paula. They married in June of that year in the First Presbyterian Church, Santa Paula. Aubrey was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., so the newlyweds relocated to Arlington, Virginia for the duration of the war. Barbara found work in the faculty office of George Washington University, serving as the administrative assistant to prominent scientists working on the Manhattan Project. Despite the hardships of wartime, Barbara and Aubrey always cherished this time in Washington, D.C. as one of the most exciting and interesting in their lives. In the fall of 1947, Barbara and Aubrey, expecting their first child, returned to Santa Paula, where Aubrey joined his father-in-law, Tom Harrison, in partnership as Union Oil Co. distributors. Barbara, whose father was often referred to as “Mister 76”, was always very proud of her family’s association with Union Oil, spanning more than 70 years.
Making good use of her home economics background, Barbara thoroughly enjoyed being a wife, mother and homemaker in Santa Paula. Barbara was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, Santa Paula, and a longtime member of the Ebell Club. She was also a lifetime member of the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association and Sigma Kappa Sorority.
Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband of 57 years, Aubrey, in 2001 and also by her daughter, Nancy Bright. She is survived by her son, David, his wife Sheri and granddaughter Hayley Bright of Mission Viejo, CA. She is also survived by granddaughter Deborah Sweet of Round Rock, TX and grandson Joel Bright of Georgetown, TX, their spouses and seven great-grandchildren.
Barbara was able to spend the last few years of her life near her son and his family. Her Christian faith sustained her day by day throughout her life. Barbara was truly happy when she was serving the needs of others. Her smile and caring attitude touched those who knew her. Barbara will be laid to rest in Santa Paula Cemetery, in a private ceremony, alongside her husband and daughter. She will be loved and missed always.
