Barbara was born in San Francisco in 1928 to Ernest and Esther Hicks (maiden name Mulvey). She had three brothers: Walt, George, and little John who left us very young. She was married to Arthur Ratcliff until he passed away in 2003. They are all undoubtedly having a grand reunion on the other side with Dot & John, Uncle Tom, Toots, Clarissa, Marilyn, Mary & John, Bill, Joan, Joe & Pat, Guido, Carl, Lisa, and very dear to her, Kenny — just to name a few she talked about often. She was a trailblazer career woman, and an adored Mommy and Grammy, who lived a big life from San Francisco to Millbrae to San Mateo to New York to Europe.
Hug the ones you love today! 💚✨
Warmly,
Sharlene, Evaline, London, Veli & Rocco
Her ashes will nourish a new tree to be planted in her honor at our Graceland Meadows home.
In place of a gift or flowers, the family requests that a donation can be made in Barbara’s name to Graceland Meadows Animal Rescue & Sanctuary or an organization of your choice. Barbara supported Veterans organizations faithfully, and loved animals especially Salty, Ginger, Rino, Sheeba, Sandy, Candy — and Rocco who was with her for 12 years until the end. She made the Graceland Meadows dream possible in a million ways, was with us starting out, and will be by our side for the journey.
If you’d like to write a note or share a story or a photo of Barbara, we’d love to see them! Email us —
✨Thank you! It means so much to us 💫
💚 From Kerry, Finnegan, Connor, Liam & Mack the Cat
Today I'd like to make a donation in memory or your fantastic, beautiful mom, Barbara Ratcliff. She was always there for you and the children and Rocco too! I still remember her walk literally down Victory Blvd -who needs a car! lol. The two of you had a dream to open this rescue and I‘m so glad she got to be part of it! May she rest in peace and be sure, she will always be there in spirit! Love you all!
💚 From Natalie Proctor
Barbara was an inspiration to so many. Through Sharlene’s experiences and stories with her Mum, and my own times with her - I was so grateful to hear her life story. The story of a strong, self-possessed, smart woman. A woman who made her own tough choices and lived her life on her terms. Even today that’s hard to do, let alone 2 or 3 generations ago. She will live on forever through another woman who I would describe exactly the same way: Sharlene. And, through the most wonderfully self possessed, Evaline and London. Also through all the people Barbara and her life story has impacted. Personally, I will always be inspired by her and I’m so proud, grateful, and lucky to know her and her brilliant family.
💚 From Kjerstin Deane & family
I can hear her voice right now. Her laugh, so unique, so hearty! She and your dad were the audience for our Shawn Cassidy dance shows. I always loved our sleepovers. I always felt welcome. I always felt loved.
Thank god there were no cell phone cameras back then! Remember catching tadpoles (or were they pollywogs)? Meeting half way at Central Park (you had to sit on the dog), touch-tone phones! Lol!
I am sorry for your loss.
💚 From Kathy Kottong
My dad’s cousin, my mom’s best high school buddy, and my friend. I loved visiting her San Mateo home when Art was alive and so was my Uncle Ern, who lived with them. I fell in love with Sharlene as a girl and we had a lot of fun adventures with Kenny and sometimes Rex. But mostly, I felt so loved in Barbara’s home. I felt loved and embraced and accepted.
I’ll always remember with incredible fondness how good she was to me at a time I needed family and friends.
💚 From Corinne Dulles
I am very glad I got to meet your lovely mummy several times. I am sincerely sorry for your loss but glad you enabled such a close relationship between you and her and her grand children. She is going in peace knowing you have achieve something extraordinary with your foundation, would love to help physically when I come around but in the meantime I hope my little donation in memory of your mum will help.
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Contributions to Graceland Meadows Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. are tax-deductible.
Graceland Meadows Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
New York State registered charity.
New York State registered shelter/rescue.
Copyright © 2024 Graceland Meadows Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.- All Rights Reserved
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