Florence Barr
April 29, 1930-Aug. 1, 2024
Menlo Park, United States

Florence (Flo) Barr, a long time Menlo Park resident, passed away on August 1 2024 at the age of 94. She died peacefully at home, having been visited by close friends and family members. In Flo’s final years, she was surrounded by a team of loving caregivers, which allowed her to stay in her beloved home.

Flo was born in San Francisco in April of 1930, and was the first member of her Polish family to be born in the US. She lived in San Francisco and Daly City until 1963, when Flo and her family decided to escape the fog and move to the fabulous climate of the Peninsula. Florence married Robert Barr and divorced in the late 70’s after raising 2 children, Rick and Laura. Flo worked as office manager at Woodson Barksdale Architects in Palo Alto, for 20 years. Flo was an avid traveler and had the opportunity to visit much of Europe and Asia. Flo was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed witnessing the championship seasons of the Giants and 49ers. Flo had a wonderful circle of friends – her almost 60 year friendship with Louise Wiesner being particularly special. Flo took great pride in her beloved Eichler home in Menlo Park, where she resided for 62 years. In Flo's later years, there was not a day that went by that that house did not give her tremendous joy. Flo was a lifelong Democrat, but briefly registered as a republican in support of Congressman Peter McCloskey in his effort to end the war. Flo’s interest in politics and current events was enduring, a true ‘news-a-holic’, even through her final days. She enjoyed time with her family, including Passover celebrations, Hanukkah, and Thanksgiving – her special recipes being a highlight for the family.

Flo was preceded by her parents Jacob and Rosalie Strauss, brother Leo Strauss and sister Helen Morton. She is survived by her son Rick Barr and wife Lisa, daughter Laura Strauss, and grandchildren Melissa Barr, Jonah Birnbaum and Nathan Birnbaum, and close nieces and nephews.