Celebrating the Life of Barbara Jean Thomas

Barbara Jean Thomas, 95, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, lived a life defined by resilience, compassion, and unwavering service to others. She passed away on March 9, 2026.

Born March 30, 1930, in Akron, Ohio, Barbara carried with her throughout her life a strong sense of determination and personal strength. These qualities guided her through a long life dedicated to family, professional excellence, and community leadership.

Barbara built a respected career in administrative and accounting roles. Her reliability, intelligence, and attention to detail earned her consistent praise from supervisors and colleagues. She approached every responsibility with professionalism and pride.

Early in her career she worked as an Editorial Clerk for the San Pedro News-Pilot. In that position she helped families write obituaries for their loved ones. It was a role that required compassion and empathy, qualities that Barbara naturally possessed and carried into every part of her life.

Barbara’s greatest contributions were often through her volunteer service. She believed strongly in helping her community and dedicated countless hours to civic involvement. She served with the LAPD Crisis Response Team, providing support and comfort during moments of tragedy when families needed it most.

She also held leadership roles in numerous community organizations, including:

• President of the San Pedro Emblem Club
• President of the Professional Women’s Organization
• Vice President of Operations for the San Pedro Fisherman’s Fiesta
• President of the San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• Nominated by assemblyman Lowenthal for Woman of the Year

Through these roles she demonstrated remarkable leadership and a genuine commitment to strengthening the San Pedro community.

Barbara’s kindness extended beyond official titles and organizations. She quietly spent countless hours knitting hundreds of beanies that were distributed each winter to people experiencing homelessness so they would have warmth during the colder months.

When applying to volunteer with the LAPD Crisis Response Team, Barbara explained her motivation in simple but powerful words: “I have the physical strength and fortitude to toughen things out.”

Those words perfectly captured her spirit. Barbara was a woman of strength, resilience, and deep compassion who believed strongly in helping others through difficult times.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Patricia (husband Phil LeBlanc) and her son George.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren Paris, Michael, and Melissa; great-grandchildren Danielle, Carter, Decker, and Lila; and great-great-granddaughter Athena.

She is further survived by her sister April and was preceded in death by siblings Sandy, Linda, and Ronnie.

Barbara’s life was one of service, leadership, and quiet generosity. She will be remembered for her strength of character, her commitment to helping others, and the lasting impact she made on her family and community.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2nd, at Good Shephard Lutheran Church in San Pedro