November 6, 1926 - December 24, 2019 Longtime Newport Beach resident Barbara Jean De Franco, who was active in social and charitable circles, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2019 at her home in Laguna Woods. Barbara Jean, born in Los Angeles in 1926, attended Beverly Hills High School and UCLA. It was in her UCLA Italian class that she met fellow student Joe, who was fluent in the language and became her self- appointed "tutor." They were married on August 26, 1945 and spent many fun times aboard her father's boat, the Wild Goose, and basking in the sun at their cabin at the Isthmus on Catalina Island. She and her husband of 71 years, businessman Joseph De Franco, were founding members of Big Canyon Country Club. They were friends with many prominent people and celebrities, including actors John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. In the 1950s they double-dated with actress Jane Russell and her husband, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bob Waterfield. A survivor of Guillain Barre Syndrome, Barbara founded the Orange County chapter for the National GBS Organization and was its liaison for 20 years. Barbara Jean "Baba" was a homemaker first, but she was also an artist, golfer, bridge player, community volunteer and hostess. "She has traveled many places, touched many hearts, laughed with the best and lived a life of beauty, grace, and wisdom," said her daughter, Barbara Jo DeFranco. She is survived by three daughters, Jean René, Barbara Jo, and Suzanne Lynne; five grandchildren, Desiree, Adam, Barbara Lynn, Zachary and Kailee; five great-grandchildren Blake, Leilani, Charles Jr., Joseph and Juniper; and nine great-great-grandchildren Taea, Khloe, Naia, Makana, Aubree, Lanaysha, the twins "Charles V and Chase", and Pu'uwai; her sister, Terry Ann; her brother Bernard "Biff"; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to GBS Foundation: www.gbs-cidp.org/donate.