Barbara Munson Papke

It is with immense love and heartbreak that the family of Barbara Munson Papke announces her passing on August 1, 2026, at the age of 86. Barbara is survived by her brother Ed, her son David, her son-in-law Donovan, her grandchildren Sarah, Sierra, Canyon, Sean, Jace, and Jackson, her granddaughter-in-law Veronica, and her great-grandson Hunter. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Lucille and Arthur, her sister Judith, her husband Charles or “Chuck,” and her daughter Deborah or “Deb.”

Barbara was born in Michigan and traveled to California as a child, where she spent the majority of her life. She attended Reed College in Portland, OR, studying to be a nurse. It was there she met her late husband Chuck. They moved to Frederick, Maryland, where Chuck worked for the military, and got married. In 1960 they had their first child, David. It was in Frederick that Barbara was introduced to political activism and alternative theology by the Quakers who held silent vigils outside Chuck’s military lab.

Barbara, Chuck, and David moved back to California in the mid-1960s, and her and Chuck became involved in the anti-war, civil rights, and environmental conservation movements in the Bay Area. Their daughter Deb was born in 1967, but that did not stop Barbara and Chuck from fighting for what they believed in. The 1960s became a defining decade in Barbara’s life; she became a mother of two and a strong, noble, and kind woman who believed in and fought for the rights of all peoples and the environment.

As the movements of the 1960s faded, Barbara devoted herself to her family and her Catholic faith. She raised her two children, then, with much excitement, became a grandmother to six grandchildren. She spent as much time with her family as she could, attending plays, recitals, sporting events, birthdays, and holidays.

Barbara will be remembered for her love of her family and all peoples, and her Catholic faith. She will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and her steadfast commitment to justice.

Barbara’s family and friends are invited to join us in mourning her at her funeral and burial. Her funeral will take place at 3 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church at 7983 Covert Ln, Sebastopol. Her burial will take place on Friday, August 14, at 11 AM at Bodega Calvary Cemetery, 17499 Bodega Hwy, Bodega.