An Appreciation

Remembering Barbara French

Barbara French, 97, who died Sept. 9, 2021, was an Orange County Adult School writing teacher, known to many Leisure World residents and students from Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

Barbara’s youth was fraught with daily caregiving to her tubercular mother. She was still a child when it became her responsibility to administer care to her mother and to be in charge of many household tasks, such as laundry, cooking and cleaning. She was totally deprived of the carefree life of a teenager. However, she was intelligent and determined to find a better life, and she never stopped trying to achieve her goals.

Like many of you, I knew Barbara first as a writing teacher, but eventually we became friends.

Barbara had a wonderful memory. When she told you about a book that she hoped you would enjoy, her description was so detailed, it was hardly necessary to read that book yourself.

When, due to COVID, we could no longer meet in person, Barbara quickly converted her skills to Zoom classes and kept both of her classes intact.

Since her death, Barbara’s Tuesday writing class has been turned over to her longtime student and assistant, Rod Bush. Barbara is missed by her family, aspiring students, and many friends. I expect she has already organized yet another class, but this time, her students are all angels.

—Elva Turner, Mutual 15, author of “Brown Eyed Susan” and “Queen Anne’s Lace,” and Patti Palermo, author of “The Adventures of Jack and Baxter,” were two of her many students who were able to publish their works, thanks to Barbara’s guidance and support.