Barbara G Grabowski

Barbara Googins Grabowski, 94, of Sun Valley, Idaho, passed away on July 14, 2026, surrounded by family and beloved caregivers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Grabowski.

Barbara was born on October 17, 1931, in Berkeley, California. She grew up in a playful and loving family with three siblings: Betty, Peter, and Deborah. She attended Berkeley High School—where she was active in student politics under the slogan “Googie for Guv’nor” and was voted president of the Girls Athletic Association—and went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley for two years. A standout athlete in her youth, she competed in synchronized swimming and tennis.

In 1952, Barbara married Ted Hollister, supporting him through veterinary school. The couple moved to Pacific Grove, California, where they built a veterinary practice and raised their four children: Betsy, Melia, Andy, and Dinah. Barbara and Ted not only developed the practice but also built the animal hospital itself—a labor of love that consumed their early years. As the grandkids will now proudly know: Betsy was quite literally kept in the kennel during those early years. While parenting and supporting the practice, Barbara served on the Pacific Grove City Planning Board and was later elected to the Pacific Grove City Council. During this busy chapter of her life, she also relearned the game of tennis and competed statewide in singles and doubles.

Following her divorce from Ted, Barbara was wooed by her friend and fellow tennis player, Bob Grabowski, who became the love of her life. They began their life together in Ojai, California, where they opened an art gallery. Soon after, they opened a second gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to their art galleries, Bob and Barbara built and managed a real estate business. Barbara managed the business side of their ventures while Bob and their other partners focused on the art. Working closely with the other gallery owners, she honed her already discerning eye, actively helping to create gallery displays and playing a key role in discovering and recruiting new artists. Although she started law school and excelled in that demanding first year, she ultimately chose to focus her sharp business acumen on building and growing their gallery and real estate businesses.

In 1987, Barbara and Bob moved to Sun Valley, Idaho, where they spent the next 40 years loving the area's beauty, outdoors, and active lifestyle. Devoted members of the Center for Spiritual Living, they helped establish Light on the Mountains, the Sun Valley Center for Spiritual Living. Barbara was ordained as a minister at age 72 and served the community with warmth and insight.

An accomplished IFR‑rated pilot, Barbara embraced adventure and independence throughout her life. She and Bob enjoyed extensive domestic and international travel, from journeys to India for spiritual exploration to trips throughout Europe, with favorite destinations including Greece and Sardinia.

Above all, Barbara was a grandmother who relished time with her grandchildren. She dove into the ocean with them, cheered loudly from the edges of skateparks, beat them relentlessly at cribbage, and explored the arts alongside them—nurturing their creativity with the same curiosity and joy she brought to every part of her life.

Barbara is survived by her four children, Betsy, Melia, Andy, and Dinah; eight grandchildren; and three great‑grandchildren. The family also honors the bond she shared with Melia, a child she welcomed into her home and heart—a testament to her courage and compassion, and a reminder that family is made not only by blood but by choice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Light on the Mountains (lightonthemountains.org), ACLU (aclu.org), or Mountain Humane (mountainhumane.org)

A private celebration of life will be held for Barbara. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guest book section below.