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Allison Ramiller
Barbara Holm Ramiller
June 7th, 1954 - July 28th, 2020
June 7th, 1954 - July 28th, 2020
Barbara was born on June 7, 1954 in Kentucky to Elizabeth (Betty) Holm and Helmar (Hank) Holm. Alongside her sister Jen and brother David, she was raised in Spencerport, a village the Erie Canal carves a path through outside Rochester, New York. At Spencerport High School, she developed a love for English, poetry, and theater.
Barbara obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English; attending Plattsburgh University and SUNY Brockport. She then worked as a social worker in Rochester for a few years before packing up and driving across country to California. There, she met the love of her life, Christian. Together, they built a home and grew their family with two children, Vaughn and Allison.
Barbara was a dedicated mother first and foremost, but she also had a long career in the worker’s comp insurance field, where she was well-known and admired. She also loved gardening, traveling, and staying active; she could often be seen walking or biking around the lake near her house, even during the course of intensive chemo treatments.
Barbara passed away from cancer on July 28, 2020 at home with her family in Westlake Village, CA. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Christian; children Vaughn and Allison; sister and brother-in law Jen and Mike Downey; brother, David Holm; her two nephews and their wives Jeremy & Graziella Brongo and Michael & Tina Brongo; and her niece, Cienna Holm.
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The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the family and friends who loved and were loved by Barbara. Please join us in celebrating her life by leaving a post in the Tributes section of this page with your favorite memories or impressions of Barbara.
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Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Commons, an organization that helps cancer patients and their families navigate treatment decisions: https://donate.cancercommons.org/
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You can also honor Barbara by joining the Ramiller family’s team (the “4 Milers”) for the upcoming 2020 Women's Cancer Run | Virtual Walk/Run for Awareness & Hope: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-womens-cancer-run-virtual-walkrun-for-awareness-hope-tickets-112655842658?team_token=2588478-68pqo
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Barbara’s life with a heartfelt message.
Bud Price
I'm saddened and shook to my core to learn of the passing of my cousin Barbara. A most precious and dear woman who I had the privilege to know as a young lady . Yes that wonderous smile and sparkling eyes were her birthright. Those were the windows into a beautiful and kindred spirit. She was more than kind and she was more than accepting. She was even keeled, level headed but possessed a great love for life. The sun will not shine as bright nor the moon won't be as full as she takes leave. God bless her wonderful family, may they exemplify the wonder and love that was my cousin Barb.
Kristy Adams
As a mom, I am very grateful that Barbara looked out for my daughter Amanda like she was her own. Whenever Amanda and Allie were together at Allie's, I knew they were in good hands. When Amanda moved back to California and needed a job, it was Barbara who suggested she work for the law firm where she worked. She even carpooled with Amanda when she had no transportation. She always went the extra mile for everyone else. Whenever we were out walking in the neighborhood and saw Barbara and Allie, she always had the biggest smile. Her zest for life was evident!! She was a very warm, kind and caring person, qualities that she passed on to Allie and Vaughn. She will be dearly missed, but I am so thankful for her presence in the life of my daughter.
Amanda Adams
As a very close friend to Barbara’s daughter Allie, I have grown up going to the Ramiller’s home to celebrate birthdays and holidays, to cook and watch movies together, for game nights, happy hours and Oscar’s parties. Barbara was the heart of all of our gatherings, making everyone feel so welcomed and special, like we were at our own home. She always greeted me with a huge hug and smile and took such a sincere interest in my life. She truly cared for others and even got me a job at the law office where she worked when I first moved back to California after college. We worked together in the same office for almost a year, and I am so grateful I was able to witness and learn from Barbara’s unparalleled dedication, professionalism and leadership. She handled every situation with such grace and ease. When I showed up nervous and anxious on my first day, she kindly introduced me to everyone, checked on me regularly and even pulled me aside to let me know that the tag was sticking out of the brand-new shirt I had just bought :) Her belief in my abilities and ongoing support and guidance filled me with confidence and helped me find my path in life again. Barbara’s love for her family, and especially of being a mom to Allie and Vaughn, was so evident and beautiful to watch. Anytime she spoke of her family, her eyes would light up and her whole face would smile. I deeply respected and admired her dedication to her family, strength, resilience, independence, confidence, kindness and the joy with which she embraced every day. There was truly no one else like her, but her beautiful spirit is so alive in all of those she touched. I am so grateful to have known such a special person, and I will continue to draw upon her remarkable example of courage and strength for inspiration throughout my life.
Sarah
I will always be grateful for who she was and the memories and people she brought into my life because of that. I will remember and appreciate: the incredible daughter that she raised; the way she created a space for us kids to gather and create memories together as we dressed up for special occasions, played games, or stayed up late watching movies (and, of course, the occasional Sex and the City episode); her dignity and inner strength; the adorable black satin-bow slippers she wore at our last Oscar party; sitting with her in the audience at Allie’s dance recitals; visits up at UC Davis; those few, but significant, morning chats with her after a sleepover at the Ramiller’s; the way she encouraged me to continue pursuing my education even when I was afraid and wanted to give up; all of the little things we did in the home she created and opened up to us - dinners, wine-tastings, gathering for holidays. The memories and ways in which she touched my life continue to unfold and each one makes me deeply sad that she is gone, but even more grateful to have known her.
Judy Youn
I had the privilege of knowing Barbara since the late 1990s. I am so saddened by her passing and my heart goes out to her family. She was so very proud of Allie and Vaughn. My daughter and I got to see Allie dance in the Nutcracker at the Thousand Oaks Civic Center and so enjoyed her dancing. I got to work with Barbara at Zenith and at Employers' Compensation Insurance Company/ PacificComp. She was a mentor, friend and role model. She will be very missed by all who knew her.
Barbara Pfau
I heard of Barbara’s passing yesterday from my daughter Sarah ... she and Allison have been close friends for many years. As Sarah was telling me of how hard Barbara battled her cancer ... I couldn’t help but think of how she has done the same for my daughter all these years. Sarah and Allison became friends when I moved back to Westlake Village after the earthquake of 1994 ... a single mom trying to raise 4 young children on my own. She was a very good friend to me ... always kind, inviting, calm and someone I could depend on ... her children were every thing to her ... as mine were to me ... I knew with her Sarah would be well taken care of ... and I really appreciated that she trusted me with Allison ... it gave me the strength that I needed so many times. As the years have passed by ... and through so many changes ... she continued to be there for my Sarah ... giving her so much life, love, a family and home to come to ... and so many wonderful, happy and special memories that I will be eternally grateful for!! I am deeply saddened ... Barbara will be missed ... thank you SO much for EVERYTHING ... I will cherish all the memories in my heart always!! Sending my love to her family and friends.
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