Barbara Linelle Mark, 84, of Ojai, CA died unexpectedly on Friday, April 3, 2026 shortly after attending Holy Thursday Mass. In life, Barbara lived out her faith through acts of love for her family, community and many friends.
Barbara was born in Los Angeles to Oren Bradshaw Waite, Jr. and Virginia Elmer Waite and grew up in the San Fernando Valley as part of a large, loving, and faithful extended family. She graduated from Birmingham High School where she was active in Student Government, Drill Team, social clubs and faith-based organizations. Coming from a long line of Methodist ministers and musicians, Barbara was active in choir and various activities of the Van Nuys First United Methodist Church. Over the years, she served in several leadership roles within the church, at the district level and as Lay Member to the California-Pacific Annual Conference.
Her commitment to community service led her to imagine, establish and obtain funding for Project Share, a volunteer-based organization that provided transportation for the elderly. Project Share grew to coordinate hundreds of volunteers and become an important resource for senior citizens throughout the central San Fernando Valley. Based on the success of this program, her path led her to transportation leadership roles at Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles and to the University of Southern California where she worked until her retirement.
The 1960s were a formative time for Barbara when she became committed to social justice, married James VanderMeer of Olympia, WA and developed a life-long devotion to their son, Thomas. A few years later, Barbara became a courageous and resilient single mother who built a family life filled with joy and purpose.
In the early 1980s, Barbara met David Mark, a happy, kindred spirit with whom she would expand the love of family and celebrate almost 40 wedding anniversaries. In 2004, along with her mother, Virginia, they moved to Ojai where they enjoyed the natural and spiritual beauty of the Ojai Valley.
Throughout her life, Barbara touched many by caring deeply, listening intently, and giving generously. Her musical voice and constant devotion will continue to be felt by all that knew her.
Barbara is survived by her son, Thomas VanderMeer (Susan) of Manlius, NY; stepsons Randy Mark (Shellie), of Chatsworth, CA and Dalen Mark, of Canoga Park, CA; 5 grandchildren, Frances, Camille and William VanderMeer; Nick and Kira Mark; and her brother Gerry Waite (Faith), of Prescott, AZ. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Mark, and by her parents Oren B. Waite, Jr. and Virginia Elmer Waite.
Family and friends are warmly invited to funeral services at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 185 St. Thomas Drive, Ojai, CA 93023 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. A Rosary Service will be prayed at 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Immediately following Mass all are invited to attend a luncheon reception. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Help of Ojai (https://www.helpofojai.org/donate) or Catalyst California (https://www.catalystcalifornia.org/donate).
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.