Barbara Lee Anderson

Barbara Lee Anderson passed away on Nov. 14.  She was 88 years old.  

Born on Nov. 6, 1931 in Hayward, California, she graduated from Mills College, Oakland with a bachelor of arts in 1953. She began her Laboratory career in 1956 as a personnel dosimetry technician.  From 1967- 74, she was employed by the Defense Depot in Tracy, then returned to the Laboratory as a senior team member in the Operations Division of the Computing Department, advancing to senior technical/scientific coordinator in 1979. In 1981, she was named curator of the new Computation Department Museum.

Anderson helped create the Women’s Technical and Professional Symposium, Tri-Valley Expanding Your Horizons Conference and numerous multicultural fairs. An avid runner, she was an energetic member of the running club.

She retired from the Laboratory in 1993, after with 26 years of service, then served as a security escort from 1998 to 2017.

In retirement, Anderson coordinated the Amateur Gardening Department and Agricultural Feature Exhibits Department for the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  She served as a 4-H leader for 32 years and participated in Alameda County CattleWomen, receiving the 2010 CattleWoman of the Year award. A skilled horsewoman, she rode in matched pair class competitions and parades, beginning in the 1950’s.

Anderson was devoted to her children and grandchild; together they traveled the world. She is survived by daughter, Sharon Smales; son, Mark Costella; and grandson, Mark Sandner; and her extended family of Annick Santer-Gillen, Adam Nino, Karen Newberg and David Silverman.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 11 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1020 Mocho St., Livermore. Following the service there will be a gathering in the Fellowship Hall to share space, stories and enjoy memorabilia.  Food and drinks will be provided.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to Open Heart Kitchen in Barbara Anderson’s name.  Donations will be accepted after the service or on the Open Heart Kitchen website.

The family will announce a celebration of life at a future time and will establish a foundation in her memory.