Barbara Magness

Nov. 12, 2007 12 AM PT

Barbara Magness Deceased at 68

Barbara Magness of Newport Beach, California, peacefully transitioned from life amongst the loving company of her husband and children on November 9th, 2007 at Hoag Memorial Hospital. A beloved wife and adoring mother, grandmother, and sister. Barbara is survived by her husband of 28 years Jay Magness, her son Steve Sutherland and his wife Cathi, Stepson Jay Magness Jr., her brother Ron Ellenson, and stepmother Dolly Ellenson. Barbara’s son Scott R. Sutherland preceded her in death. Barbara is also survived by four perfect grandsons: Scott M. Sutherland, Justin L. Sutherland, Jake S. Sutherland of Chandler, Arizona and Aaron J. Magness of Irvine, California.

Born Barbara Jean Ellenson in 1939 to Lenore and Cecil Ellenson in Los Angeles, California. Barbara grew up in Phoenix, Arizona where she graduated from North High School in 1957 and attended ASU.

After raising her two sons in Arizona, Barbara met Jay, falling deeply in love. They married and lived in Durango Colorado. In 1989 Barbara and Jay moved to Newport Beach. A respected and esteemed couturier and accomplished businesswoman, Barbara successfully owned and operated two B. Magness Fashion Boutiques. Her first store in Durango, Colorado and her grand boutique in the Newport North Shopping Center in Newport Beach, California. Barbara’s exclusive boutiques specializing in contemporary fashion soon achieved the success of which she had dreamed. In recent years, after fortuitously selling her business, Barbara vivaciously cultivated the advent of artful domestication. With the simultaneous remodel of their new home in Big Canyon and gourmet cooking classes, Barbara surprised her friends with epicurean wonders amidst picturesque decor, consummated by fabulous dinner parties and friendly gatherings at the Magness residence. Pure bliss.

All of us were fortunate to have been touched by her extraordinary spirit. Barbara had a kind, sincere, constant, and generous warmth that prevailed through her infectious smile. The momentous sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes illuminated any room. Her exuberance for life was inescapably contagious. Barbara’s unselfish compassion and abundant charitable work with the Sophisticates of ATSC (she was President of the Sophisticates of ATSC during the year of 2001-2002) was a minuscule testament to her enormous heart, a true philanthropist. Her caliber of character is not easily found and shall never be lost, a true exalted being and lady. In addition to ATSC Barbara was a member of club 39 at the Ritz, and a member of Ninety-Nines international woman’s flying club.

We are thankful for the honor and privilege of referring to Barbara as a close friend and loved one, it was great fun!

Barbara Magness Celebration Of Life Ceremony

Date: Friday, November 16, 2007

Time: 12 Noon

Location:

Pacific View Memorial Park Chapel

3500 Pacific View Drive

Newport Beach, California 92625

949.644.2700

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

The Barbara Magness Memorial Fund

c/o