Barbara Lucille Musick

Barbara Lucille Musick, age 88, died on Monday, January 11, 2021, at her home in Santa Ana, with her husband and other loved ones at her side. She was born to Albert Joseph and Lucille Neves in Stoughton, Massachusetts on October 9, 1932.  As a child, she loved nature and sports, like the true tomboy she was. She never found a tree that was too high to climb, and if she wasn’t in the park playing baseball or hockey with the boys, she could be found sitting on the highest branch of an apple tree. She passed this love of nature and sports onto her children and grandchildren, and every summer, since her children were born, the entire family would spend a week or two in Mammoth where she loved to hike and fish with them. She had a passion for gardening and took great pride in her beautiful yard. She loved to play the piano and had many other artistic talents that can be seen in the creations she made for loved ones, which included drawing, painting, needlepoint, and knitting. 

Her family migrated to California in 1948 and settled in Santa Ana where she attended Santa Ana High School. This is where she met the love of her life, Herschel Musick, as well as many lifelong friends. After receiving her degree from Long Beach State she fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher.  Herschel and Barbara married on February 28, 1953. After a few years of teaching kindergarten, she and Herschel started a family.  She received her calling when she was called on to fill in as a substitute teacher at a school for the mentally and physically disabled. When she returned to teaching full time, she chose Carl Harvey School in Santa Ana, a school for the physically disabled. Her classrooms were always filled with abounding love. 

Barbara could always be found supporting her children and grandchildren's sporting events and activities. She served on the board at North East Santa Ana Little League and for many years Barbara volunteered as the official scorekeeper for District 30 Little League all-star baseball tournaments and Herschel’s high school baseball team. After Barbara retired from teaching she became a volunteer at CHOC where she could be found adding fun and color to the playroom with her amazing handmade artwork. It brought her so much joy to play games and read with the children. She even received the Golden Paw Award for 19 years of service!

Barbara is survived by her husband Herschel Musick, sister Wanda Fudge, brothers Richard & Bob Neves, daughter Karen Musick, sons Kurt, Jeff & Todd Musick, grandchildren Tad Shimada, Alissa Shimada, Erika Shimada, Kristin Musick, Benjamin Musick, Kayla Musick, Cameron Musick, as well as her great-grandchildren Eric, Isaac, Charlie Mae & Harbor.

Barbara truly had a gift - the gift of unconditional love. As a person of strong faith, she saw past any flaws and received everyone with her full heart. She was there with a smile and concern for family, friends, neighbors, and all those she met. Even her children’s friends would often come over to sit and talk with Barbara when they needed a loving voice of reason and support. Her love will live on forever in the lives of people she touched. Her family will remember the stories she loved to tell, the fun they would have at family celebrations, and the unforgettable trips to Mammoth. We miss you already, Barbara. 

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