Barbara Friedland
May 23, 1931-Aug. 22, 2026
Menlo Park, California
Submitted by granddaughter Michelle Tynan

Barbara Anne Friedland of Menlo Park died on August 22 at the grand age of 95, much to the sorrow of her family and friends. Barb departed the world exactly how she wanted to, peacefully in her sleep at home with loved ones close by.

She was born in San Francisco to parents Clarence and Josephine Ferrari and had a younger brother, Clarence "Bud" Ferrari. Barb graduated from the College of Notre Dame Belmont and earned her teaching credential from San Jose State University. She married Brian Doolin in 1952, started a family in Menlo Park, and worked as a teacher for 29 years. She excelled at teaching children how to read and strongly believed in the power of education.

During her mothering years, Barb struggled with the addiction and disease of alcoholism. She chose sobriety on June 10, 1977, a transformative decision which became a central tenet of her life. Over the years, she sponsored over 100 women through sobriety and helped countless others through their darkest times. She spoke proudly of this achievement and was fiercely dedicated to her AA family. Her 49 years of sobriety made it possible for her to be an engaged and adoring grand- and great-grandparent as well as a frequent volunteer reader in the local elementary schools. Sobriety gifted her many more years of her healthy and vibrant life. Barb’s family wishes to especially thank her AA family for the many years of support and love they gave her.

One of Barb’s most impressive qualities was her seemingly endless well of energy that powered her packed schedule. Sporting brightly colored clothing and a sunny disposition, she loved walking and talking with friends and family, attending yoga and exercise classes, and chatting with strangers. She was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, keeping up with our ever-changing times by continually adapting. Barb laughed with wild abandon and faced adversity with bravery and a radiant smile. She savored the sweeter things in life, especially chocolate ice cream, black licorice, and hula pie.

Barb is preceded in death by her soulmate Harvey Friedland (d.2016) who she was excited to see again. They married on June 17, 1984. Together, they had a beautiful, loving marriage and adventurous life that included traveling around the world and spending time with their large extended family including his four children and five grandchildren. Their three decades together were full of music, song, laughter, and color.

Barb is survived by her four children and their spouses: Anne Davenport (James), Clare Tynan (Tim), David Doolin (Elizabeth), Beth Ray (Jim) and bonus daughter Dana Ragsdale (David), as well as eight grandchildren: Elliot (Mi-Jeong Jeong), Jonathan, Benjamin, Madelyn (Kelsey), Michelle (Nelson), Scott (Shannon), Chris, and Emily (Keith) and nine beautiful great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Laurence, Eleanor, Amelia, Noah, Idris, Amina, Lucy, and Kendall. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grands and great-grands, all of whom miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, Barb’s family asks that you donate in her honor to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley: 4001 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95134 (408)266-8866 https://www.shfb.org/give-help/donate-funds/honorary-and-memorial-gifts/