Barbara Low passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026 at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving  family.  Barbara will now be reunited with her beloved husband, parents, sisters and brother. 

Barbara will forever be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. To cherish her memory are oldest son Bob and wife Jennie, younger son Alex and wife Virginia; daughter Evelyn;  grandchildren Kenton, Stephanie and husband David, Aiemee, Alexandra and husband J, Amanda, Matthew, and Rachel; and great-granddaughter Ryan. Barbara is beloved by family and by a community of many extended family, dear friends, and members of the community whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable 95 years.  

Barbara was born in 1931 in the Longdu village in Southern China. As a young woman, Barbara immigrated to the United States after her marriage to Richard. Barbara raised three children. For over 78 years she was a devoted mother and homemaker. Barbara also managed her own grocery store with her sister-in-law, Rosie, and later went on to work in various retail stores.

Coming to the United States, Barbara was a minority within a minority. The Chinese community was very small and her being a Longdu clan among the Chinese was an even smaller minority. The language dialect was not understood by many, so Barbara worked hard to learn two languages – Cantonese and English. Barbara eventually earned a GED degree at Castlemont High, Oakland in the 1960s.

Barbara went on to help many new immigrants to assimilate into life in America. Barbara felt very proud to do this. Barbara even set an example by becoming one of few immigrants who learned how to drive a car.

During the last 60 years of her marriage, Barbara enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and through all parts of Asia. Barbara and husband Richard were inseparable. Barbara often commented on how wonderful her life was and how grateful she was for her family, friends, and what an incredible gift it was to live in the East Bay.

Barbara loved family gatherings: the weekly family events at her beloved sister-in-law Theresa’s home, the many events with the Low clan, adventuring up to Suisun ranch, to hosting bountiful banquets for her own family at Chinese restaurants all around the Bay Area. Her grandchildren all remember “Paw Paw” and her incredible ability to fill the table with food for everyone.