Barbara Chase Jefferson

Barbara Chase Jefferson died peacefully at home on October 5, 2014 with her husband and family by her side. She was 89 years old.

Barbara was a well-known kindergarten teacher – working at Hope School, Monte Vista School and, finally, at Vieja Valley School. During her 30-year teaching career, she was voted Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year and developed a unique innovation called “Identity Dolls” that helped each child create a soft doll with handmade clothing and sweaters that resembled the student. Barbara’s insightful use of the figures as a teaching aid was profiled in education magazines. Barbara was known throughout the community for her positive attitude toward life and her innate skill as a teacher. She mentored dozens of student teachers from UCSB and shaped their classroom skills.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, designer/builder Henry Jefferson, three children, three stepchildren, ten grandchildren and two surviving sisters, Gretchen Miller and Nancy Chase. A memorial service will be held outdoors at Franceschi Park located at 1501 Franceschi Road at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11th. Friends of Barbara are invited to attend.

Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary