Barbara Joy Toso of Eureka passed away peacefully with her son and daughter at her side in the early morning of March 25, 2018, at 77 years of age.

Barbara was born in San Diego on December 12, 1940, to Joyce N. Newman (McCaskill) and Donald E.R. Newman. Just before Barbara’s first birthday WW II began, and Barbara and her mother moved to live with her paternal grandparents in DeSmet, South Dakota for two years.

Upon her father’s return from Guadalcanal, the family moved to Portsmouth, Va,, where Barbara’s brother Donnie was born. The family later moved to Astoria, Oregon, where Barbara attended kindergarten through 3rd grade. In 1948, when Barbara was 8 years old, the family moved to Santa Ana, Calif. Barbara always considered herself a southern California girl, never wanting to wear a coat or sweater when going out. She met lifelong friends Shirley Wangrud and Nancy Menges in the 4th grade and they remained friends until her passing. Barbara graduated Santa Ana High School in 1958, where she was one of the first girl cheerleaders on an al- male squad.

Barbara spent her 16th birthday on a Navy transport ship en route to Japan, where her father had a tour of duty. After one year in Japan, Barbara returned to Santa Ana to live with grandparents and graduate with her class. After graduating high school Barbara worked at the newly opened Disneyland, her first day being July 4, 1958 — the busiest day of the year. Barbara loved to tell the story of selling grape juice from her Welch’s grape juice stand to the very handsome Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward.

That same year Barbara began Santa Ana Junior college, where she was once again a song leader for the football team. The following year, 1959, she met and married her first husband, Frederick Endert. Children soon followed, with Roger R. Endert in 1961 and Mary Catherine J. Endert in 1962. Barbara enjoyed being a mother while holding a fulltime job. She loved taking her children to the beach, outdoor barbecues, sewing, cooking and being a den mother and brownie leader.

The family moved to Eureka in 1971 for a teaching job at College of the Redwoods for Frederick. Barbara married her second husband, Mario A Toso, in February 1976. They enjoyed 39 years together with wonderful times spent with good friends the Bartleys and Fergusons playing dominos. Barbara and Mario could be found any day of the week enjoying Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune — a stress-free life it was.

Barbara worked many years as a professional secretary, ending her career with PG and E. In retirement, Barbara enjoyed quilting and was a member of Scotty Dog quilt group, where she met a wonderful group of friends. She attended most all of the cooking classes offered by Pacific Flavors and the Co-op. When asked what class she would like to sign up for, her response was “all of them.”

One of Barbara’s greatest joys was being a grandmother to Daphne, Camilla, and Clare Endert. She loved attending her granddaughter’s ballet, theatre performances and going to the local high school games to watch them cheerlead. In the last year and a half, Barbara was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of seeing New York City. This past September accompanied by her children she was able to fulfill another dream and see the Grand Canyon and enjoy a show in Las Vegas.

Barbara was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother and friend, always doing for others before herself. She will be dearly missed.

Barbara is survived by her brother Donald D Newman, Santa Ana, Ca, children Roger R Endert (Polly), Mary Catherine J. Endert of Eureka, Ca, grandchildren Daphne, Camilla and Clare Endert all of Eureka, Roger F Endert and Sharon of Woodbridge, VA, Frank Endert (Bea) of Santa Rosa, Roderick Endert of San Francisco, first cousins Fred Lundstrom (Karen) of Nevis, MN. Dick Lundstom (Jackie) of Sartell, MN. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by an infant son Roger W Endert, her parents Donald E.R. Newman and Joyce N. Newman and her husband Mario A Toso.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Michael Fowler and his nurses Kim and Erin at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto for 24 years of exceptional cardiac care. Dr. Gloria Beth Abels for many years of excellent care. Dr. Tovian for his care and kindness shown at St Joseph Hospital as well as Dr. Mahoney. We would also like to thank the nursing staff at Stanford and St Joseph hospital, especially Danielle and Jessica in PCU and Lisa and Denyce on the third floor. We would also like to thank her friends too many to list for their love and support over the years.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Barbara Toso’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.