In Memory

Barbara Skomer

Barbara Skomer

Barbara Sue RichmanWith profound sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Sue Richman on April 27 at the age of 66 from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in 1954 in Phoenix to loving parents Ruth and Leonard Skomer, Barbara grew up with three close-knit siblings. Barbara earned top marks at Camelback High School and was, by all accounts, the prettiest girl there.

At Pomona College and later Berkeley University, she excelled at piano and dance, performing with a Martha Graham dance troupe. She earned her degree in Ancient Greek Language & Mythology, a subject which remained a lifelong passion.

Barbara moved to LA with her sister Sharon and met the love of her life, James Richman. They married in 1985 and moved to the Pacific Palisades, where she made a beautiful home for them.

Over her 25 years in the Palisades, Barbara worked for NBC and KNX News Radio, worked as a personal trainer at the Riviera, and helped manage her parent’s clothing store. All the while she remained close to Sharon and her nephews, and raised two adoring children.

Barbara’s greatest legacy is the loving family she built. As a mother she was warm, vivacious, silly and exceptionally bright. She was a fierce advocate for her children, imbuing them with her strength and resilience, love of learning, and kindness. Her vivid imagination and sense of humor made everything an adventure, and their days were filled with laughter. For Jim, she was a steadfast confidant, advisor and faithfully loving wife for the 35 years they had together.

Barbara later volunteered as a docent at the Getty Villa, where she transformed tours into delightful performances. In her free time, she played tennis at the Riviera with friends, hiked her beloved Australian Shepherds, made high-octane Italian stovetop espresso, played Bach on piano, and read (with a particular fondness for Tolkien).

In 2013, Barbara and Jim moved to Ojai, where Barbara’s charm immediately endeared them to their new community. Even at the end, Barbara never stopped making those around her smile.

Barbara was filled with so much energy and life that she remained vibrant even after the transformation of disease, and remains so now in the minds of everyone who knew her.

Barbara leaves behind her husband Jim; her children, Elliot and Caroline; her father, Leonard Skomer; her sister, Sharon Pregerson; her brother, Michael Skomer; and her cherished siblings in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces and son-in-law.

https://www.palipost.com/barbara-sue-richman/



 
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06/20/21 01:51 PM #1    

Robert Vaught

So sorry to hear about Barbara's passing.  I was a bit depressed when I saw her name in the "In Memory" group.  I knew Barbara way back at Madison #1 grade school.  One year I sat next to her in Science class.  It must have been 7th or 8th grade.  I knew she went to Camelback but don't remember seeing her very often.  Looking back through my yearbooks it appears she was very active in the clubs and student government.  She also played tennis which I took up in my later years.  My impression (even back in grade school) was that she was smart and pretty.  She also seemed very sweet.  I'm sure her family misses her very much.   

Robert (Bob) Vaught  


01/12/22 12:31 PM #2    

Cynthia Skomer

Barbara's sister Sharon  passed away December 28, 2021. I will forever remember the three of us at the end of the dining room table at family gatherings. Sharon and I usually shared the piano bench.


02/20/24 01:05 PM #3    

Cynthia Skomer

I am so surprised that there are no people besides RobertVvaugh to make a fond remembrance of my cousin. She could be difficult, but then again, I don't think she was difficult in school. I just wonder why there are no fond  remembrances of my cousin.


02/21/24 09:50 AM #4    

Robert Vaught

I have fond memories of Barbara since I knew her at Madision #1 (see previous post).  She was a "crush" and of course as kids some of us had many crushes going through grade school and high school.  But, Barbara is the one that sticks in my mind after all these years.  I also knew who Cindi Skomer was but back then I didn't realize they were cousins.  

“As long as we remember a person, they're not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.”

― Justin Cronin, The Twelve


02/21/24 12:16 PM #5    

Stevie Sterling-Lorentzen/Bowman (Lorentzen)

Wow, what a shock to see Barbara's name pop up "In Memory."  You never think someone who seemed to have it all would pass away so young. We attended Madison #1 together and she was well-liked by everyone, very smart and fun. I know she is missed by her family and friends. RIP Barbara


02/21/24 01:11 PM #6    

Nancy McNamara (Chaboun)

In high school I really didn't know Barbar except in passing ( I knew who she was but I'm not sure she knew of me. ) We ran in different circles- she in the "do everything " and me in the "do just enough to pass". In reading her memorial , it seems she was a force of nature... smart , talented and beautiful. It's sad her life was cut short, but it looks like she didn't waste a moment of it. 
 


02/23/24 04:39 PM #7    

Linda Christensen (Fankhauser)

So sorry to hear about Barbara's passing.  I did not know her very well but I remember she was in some of my classes.   She has had a very interesting life.  I know she will be  missed.  


02/26/24 08:12 AM #8    

Keith Miller

Wow...  The good die young!  We met a few times and I always enjoyed her.  A very nice person.  She definitely left an impression on those around her.  Best wishes to the family!  I am sure her impact will be felt for a long time.


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