Barbara Angela Shumard
July 22, 1946 - February 10, 2026

Barbara Angela Shumard passed on peacefully from this world to the next on February 10, 2026 surrounded by all of her loved ones.

Barb was born on July 22, 1946 in Scotia to Angelo Barsanti and his wife Agnes (Anderson). She was raised in Holmes Flat alongside her brother Richard in their early years until their parent’s divorce, after which she spent the remainder of her childhood years in Patrick’s Point. While attending McKinleyville High School she met and began dating the one and only true love of her life, Roy Shumard, whom she quickly married on May 9, 1964. After building a family together they moved to Eureka, where Roy started his car dealership and Barb continued her education to earn her RN degree.

They began to build a wonderful life together as Roy’s business prospered and Barb rose to head nurse at General Hospital in Eureka, later becoming a nursing instructor for College of the Redwoods. She ended her career as Director of Med Surge at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna. Barb was a highly respected nurse and teacher in her tenure. Many in the community were blessed by her shared knowledge and intuitive nature as a professional caregiver. Even in her final hours her hospice nurse thanked her for the impression she made on his career as a medical professional. This title of caregiver was not only her work, but her way of life.

Barb and her family shared many great trips and adventures together. As her boys were finishing their high school years Barb and Roy moved to Blue Lake and built a wonderful home there. They later purchased their beloved ranch in Snow Camp in 1983. Together, Barb and Roy built their own little paradise on the expansive, breathtaking acres of land tending to their numerous cabins, animals, orchards and gardens with the utmost love and care. They spent many years gaining and building lifelong friendships there, entertaining their closest friends and family, hosting many outstanding parties, and sharing lifelong memories for all that were lucky enough to attend. Their Halloween barn parties became notorious “can’t-miss” events in the Snow Camp region with outrageous costumes and party antics, most of which will be etched in the memories of all who attended.

When Barb wasn’t on the ranch or in her greenhouse she was deeply creative. In her later years she was a heartfelt poet writing about her loved ones and the beautiful life around her. Her and Roy took many trips in their motorhome, enjoying their retirement years traveling together. She was also incredibly fascinated by her ancestry and researched her Italian and Scandinavian roots to complete and share her familial history. She had a passion for preserving her life’s work and memories through extensive photo albums and carefully handwritten recipe books to pass on to her family. She had a sharp, engaging sense of humor that could entertain the oldest friend or the youngest of her grandchildren.

Barbara adored her grandchildren, and they adored her just the same. Anything they were curious about, she would encourage that curiosity with patience, enthusiasm, and affection. She would often be found adventuring with her grandkids, doing activities such as picking berries and taking long walks at the Blue Lake property or exploring the acres upon acres of the ranch and its rich history. From tending to the gardens with them, hosting sleepovers, attending their sports games and dance recitals, and teaching them to cook and bake, Barb poured so much love into their upbringing. Even when her memory began to fade her grandkids’ connection to her never wavered because of that unconditional love she gave them.

In the last 10 years or so of Barb’s life, she battled to stave off the effects of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Upon receiving her diagnosis, both her and Roy decided to take a meaningful trip to Alaska with her boys and their families to create lasting, cherished memories– something that was very important to them for their whole family. She fought hard to preserve her once beautiful, intelligent mind from a cruel disease which ultimately robbed her of her elegant demeanor, magnetic personality, and one of the most charming smiles the world has ever seen.

Barb is preceded in death by her loving father Angelo Barsanti and her beloved mother Agnes Hollenberg. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Roy Shumard and their dog Ruby of Blue Lake, her sons, Troy Shumard and wife Melanie of Loleta, Trent Shumard and wife Tracy of McKinleyville, and her cherished grandchildren Brenden, Angela, Michael, and Parker. She is also survived by her dear brother and sisters Richard Barsanti of Fortuna, Ranee Barsanti and life partner Jessica of Gardnerville, Nevada and Terra Ann Barsanti of Last Chance, Calif. Barb was so fortunate to have two special friends, Estelle Shives and Robin Daughterty, with whom she built a life long friendship from her teenage years until her time of passing. Barb was also blessed with many cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved fondly, each holding a special place in her heart.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barb’s name to a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at Elks in Eureka on March 14 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Elks Lodge - 445 Herrick Ave, Eureka.