Barbara Jeanne Venezia

Barbara Jeanne Venezia entered our world as the first of two daughters of Kenneth & Josephine McLean of Seattle, Washington.  An exceptional student throughout her education, skipping four full grades in her youth making her taller than all the boys. She loved to learn, all subjects, but it was in mathematics which allowed her acceptance, as well as achieving expertise, from Washington State … receiving qualifications as ‘a living computer' engineer.  She continued her father's love for nature … and after working in the San Francisco Bay Area found herself drawn to the Hawaiian Islands - receiving employment, as one of the first woman mathematicians/ engineers with Lockheed Martin's ATLAS Rocket Program which needed mathematicians for calculations on missile orbit parameters, their trajectory, and skip-distances.   It was here, that Barbara chose to win her sole employment fight (a step which made a significant difference for the next generation) As a Lockheed Martin employee, she worked on various US Military programs, which at the time, the US military did not allow a woman's name to appear as author or creator on any engineering documentation.  Thank you, Barbara, because of your decision, the US military (receiving and accepting your logic) chose to enforce and implement a change to their documentation by replacing the creator’s or author’s full first name with their initial. Which remains in-effect today!  “B. McLean” was successfully documented as author and creator by the US Military.

Barbara made a tremendous impact in our world, being responsible and accountable with choosing acts which ensured the best-interest of all to be served.  Her acts … learned from those before; understood and taught with those who shared in her life; and placed, to make a difference, for all who follow.

In Hawaii is where she met Howard Venezia … and, as only Barbara does, she made a calculated choice becoming his wife for near 64yrs, a mother of five, an aunt of four, a grandmother of sixteen, and a great- grandmother of seven with another in-route.  Barbara became the model US Navy spouse, as well as a mother, her duties were limitless, one was being in-charge with port activities which transitioned over the years to officer events.  Traveling the world was absorbed with much joy and happiness as was her retirement.  Another calculated choice was purchasing a house in Winter Park, Colorado which she planned with great success ... transforming her house on the hill to become a home for all, especially her family and loved ones.  Other houses followed, one in Boulder initially keeping a few children near, and another in Lowry which would become her second retirement home.  Each step of her path, each house made home, reflected her genuine beauty.  She chose to extend and enhance her reflection with art, from artist around the globe.

A continuing inspiration for all … love, know, understand, and serve yourself.  Placing the best interest of ALL as top priority. 

A message from her Howard, which each of us (individually & collectively) can agree … choosing to have a relationship with Barbara is one of our best life-long achievements. Barbara’s wisdom for success in any life-long loving relationship … 

 “It is the two or three things one chooses not to say!” 

May our God accept you and reward your service with eternal rest.

Godspeed Barbara Jeanne Venezia ~