“We're a family here.” - A Victorian Village Testimonial

For Barbara, life has been anything but ordinary. From her recent years as a government contractor in Iraq to becoming a vital part of the Victorian Village community, her journey is filled with adventure, resilience, and deep connections.

Barbara’s move to California to be closer to her sisters marked the beginning of her career trajectory. She started as a subcontract specialist in Silicon Valley and eventually became the chief negotiator for a multi-billion-dollar aerospace company. After retiring, she received a call from a headhunter offering her a job.

Barbara’s remarkable career took her to Camp Liberty in Iraq from 2005 - 2010, where she led a team of 300 people as a government contractor. “We were there to support the military in anything they needed,” she said. She thrived in a high-pressure environment, working 12-hour days, seven days a week. After five and a half years, she returned home to retire once again, only to find that life had other plans.

Both friendship and loss shaped her path to Victorian Village. Barbara had fallen ill, and her lifelong friend, Sophia, stayed with her for a few days. They decided it would be beneficial to move in together, so they purchased a home together. But shortly after moving in, Sophia suffered a devastating injury. Barbara cared for her for two years before Sophia eventually passed away. Following this loss, Barbara found a new home at Victorian Village.

“I was planning on buying a townhome, but after losing sight, I moved into independent living,” she shared. Since then, she has embraced the community wholeheartedly.

Barbara is known for her warm and welcoming nature. “I’m friends with everyone in this place,” she said proudly. “I know everybody’s name, room number, and what they did before coming here.” She is also an ambassador for new residents, helping them feel at home.

At Victorian Village, Barbara stays active with a full schedule of activities. She exercises seven times a week, plays Scrabble and Wii bowling, and organizes bean bag toss games. “The staff want to make us happy. Every time we have parties, I sit and marvel at how hard they work for us.

For Barbara, the best part of the Victorian Village is the sense of belonging.

“Every time I leave, I find myself wondering what everyone is doing and missing this place,” she admitted. “I’ve learned to accept people for who they are. We’re a family here.”

Barbara has a sister, a brother, three children, and six grandchildren. Her story is a testament to the strength of friendship, the importance of community, and the endless possibilities life offers, no matter where you are on your journey.