Barbara's life journey has been one of resilience and connection, from her time as a government contractor in Iraq to becoming an integral part of the Victorian Village community. Her career began in California, where she worked as a subcontract specialist in Silicon Valley before advancing to chief negotiator for a major aerospace company. Retirement led her to a new role at Camp Liberty in Iraq from 2005 to 2010, managing a team of 300 people. "We were there to support the military in anything they needed," she explained.
After returning home, Barbara faced personal challenges that ultimately brought her to Victorian Village. A close friend, Sophia, stayed with her during an illness, leading them to purchase a home together. However, after Sophia's injury and subsequent passing, Barbara sought solace at Victorian Village.
Initially planning on buying a townhome, Barbara moved into independent living due to vision loss. She quickly became known for her friendly demeanor and deep connections within the community. "I’m friends with everyone in this place," she said proudly.
At Victorian Village, Barbara remains active through various activities such as exercise classes and organizing games like Scrabble and Wii bowling. The staff's dedication is evident during events: “The staff want to make us happy."
For Barbara, the sense of belonging is paramount: “Every time I leave, I find myself wondering what everyone is doing and missing this place,” she admitted. Her experience reflects the supportive environment at Victorian Village: “We’re a family here.”