Louise was born October 1, 1918 to Philip and Marie Barbin in Seattle, Washington. Louise passed away peacefully in her sleep in Brentwood, California, January 24, 2013 at the age of 94. Louise had two sisters, Phyllis, born in 1919 and Helen, born in 1924. When their mother, Marie, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she took her 3 daughters to her parents’ home in Yreka to spend her final days. Marie died in 1925. Philip brought Louise and Phyllis to Oakland while Helen lived with Aunt Kate and Uncle Al in the Sacramento area. Philip married Julia Dalmazzo in 1926.

Louise attended schools in Oakland, graduating Fremont High School in 1936. She worked for a time at Pacific Bell, where she again met a high school friend, Woodie McPeak, in an elevator. They started dating and attending the Berkeley Church of Christ. Louise was baptized November 1937 by Ralph Wilburn who also performed their wedding ceremony on February 18, 1938. They were married 69 years when Woodie passed away in 2007.

Louise and Woodie had 2 children, Joanne White (Don), of Antioch, California and Jim McPeak (Virginia) of Fair Oaks, California. They had 6 grandchildren: Lisa, Blake (Maren), Jeff (Jenny), Laura (Patrick), Janelle and Jill (Corey) and 11 great-grandchildren: Alanna, Tara, Jacob, Michaella, Darrien, Aidan, Jessica, Jade, Zachary, Kira and Rosie.

Louise’s life was centered on being a Christian. She was a faithful and supportive wife, wonderful neighbor, organized, disciplined, excellent housekeeper, beautiful and gracious hostess, loved gardening and traveling. She suffered a stroke in 1997 which left her without speech or planning capacities, but her strong spirit still produced comfort to those who visited and laughter through her final days with us.

We will celebrate Louise’s life Friday, February 1, 2013 at 1:30 pm at Sunset View Mortuary, Junction of Colusa and Fairmount Aves., El Cerrito, California.