Barbara Manaugh was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Jacob and Blanche Meyer on October 14, 1924. She lost her dad at age 10; the memory of him leaving an indelible mark upon her life. She spent much time with her grandmother, who inspired Barbara’s lifelong love of reading.
After a brief stint at Ohio State University, she married Richard Drukker, an attorney and Navy lieutenant. At war’s end, they moved to Los Angeles, where Dick practiced law and they started a family.
A trip to Europe ignited Barbara’s interest in history and gourmet cooking and, thereafter, she returned to college. After 10 years of study, she graduated from UCLA with honors; one of the proudest accomplishments of her life. Before Dick’s death in 1971, they built a home in Pacific Palisades that she would live in for the next 50 years.
Through a mutual friend, Barbara was introduced to fellow Palisadian, Carlisle Manaugh. Sharing a love of family, travel, birds, garage sales, gardening and music, they married in 1975. Barbara’s family now also included Carlisle’s children, whom she treasured. Carlisle and Barbara shared their love for 20 years, until his passing in 1992.
Always artistic and whimsical, Barbara became a prolific potter and silversmith, and continued to paint into her 90s. She was an active volunteer in the Palisades, participating in the Historical Society, the Woman’s Club, the Library, and the Methodist Church (the “OK Room Sewing Group”). With tenacity and leadership, she helped establish Los Liones Park.
Above all, Barbara loved her family, including six children and their spouses who survive her, Bill and Donna, Janet and Chee, Michael and Carrie, Carla and Dwight, Molly and Max, and Mats, five grandchildren and their spouses, David and Heather, Colin and Amanda, Kristen and Lorin, Kathleen and Brett and Orion and Saglara, seven great-grandchildren, Kelly, Rachel, Allison, Jordana, Amelia, Nathaniel and Finn, her niece Susan and her nephew, Jack.
She was a woman of undaunted belief in the power of kindness, curiosity, humor, justice and love. Her example continues to inspire all those that she touched with her light.
A Celebration of Life will be held when pandemic restrictions allow. Memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Save the Redwoods League, Palisades Methodist Church or Palisades Historical Society. Virtual condolences may be left at beautifultribute.com/barbara-manaugh.
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