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Barbara K. Martin
September 14, 1945 ~ December 20, 2022
Barbara died peacefully in her own home after battling Alzheimer’s for 7 years. Born in Canton, Ohio she left home after high school to attend Bellview School of Nursing in New York City, graduating with honors In 1968 she took a short trip to San Francisco with a friend and never left the city by the bay. Although nursing was her profession, her true passion and expertise was business. She had a gift of starting up companies and making them thrive. Her first was the Meat Market coffee house in 1970, long before Starbucks. It boomed and was always crowded with variety of folks. After that some of her startup business’s included Center Court Coffee at StonesTown Mall, joining the first “food court”, San Fransisco State coffee concession (the first), Flat Iron Deli in San Rafael and Rainbow Home Care offering round the clock care to the elderly.
Her other interest included tending to her gardens, in ground and deck which she would work on for days Her thumb was very green. When not gardening her love was the kitchen where she loved cooking international favorites and was a natural born chef. She loved her cats. She was a mentor to many who wanted to learn business, and a second mom to those that needed one. She traveled to many countries including India, Africa, Pakistan, Italy, Yugoslavia (then), Spain, and others. She also drove the ALCAN highway to Alaska. They were always an independent venture, many with long time friend Frank.
Barbara had many friends through out many states and countries. People would gravitate to her and she hosted many parties with an eclectic group of folks. Always enjoyable times.
She was preceded in death by her mom Doris Martin, Dad Perry Martin, brother Jim Martin, and long time friend Sandy Overcasher She is survived by Carla Martin (sister in law), nieces, nephew and cousins, Frank Annicelli (long time friend), Sharon Tong Pierson (long time friend) Curtis Chan (first business partner) Ethyl Wolvovitz (New York), Gail Baker (50 yr friend) and many others who loved her carefree, social nature.
