D. Barbara Nettleton - Allen

D. Barbara Allen
October 17, 1924 - November 3, 2012
Resided in Torrance, CA

D. Barbara Allen - 88, (known to her friends as "Babs") passed away peacefully in her home on Nov. 3, 2012 surrounded by loved ones. She was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in June of 2012.

Born in 1924 in Hull, Yorkshire, England to Joseph and Elsie Broughton, their only child.
After graduation, at 16 years old she moved to London and attended secretarial college for 2 years.
Barbara met a soldier by the name of Raymond Nettleton, they were pen pals during WWII from 1939 to 1945. They married in 1947 in England and then honeymooned in France.

Shortly thereafter they immigrated to ON, Canada where they gave birth to their only daughter Denise.
From 1950 to 1953, the Nettletons were part of the amateur ice capades, "The Flashing Blades revue". Canada was one step closer to their dream of "California or Bust".

In 1953 the young family continued their journey onto Ohio where Babs & Ray were amateur ballroom contestants on the Al Jarvis Show. After reconnecting with friends from England living in sunny California they went out for a visit one winter, then back to Ohio, packed up everything but the dog and the cat (which were sent later) and didn't even take the time to sell their house! Those were the days!

Settling in Compton, CA they became very involved in the Magnolia Theatre in Long Beach and the Metro Theatre in Los Angeles. Barbara, between temp jobs, would take her young daughter on the Red Car to Hollywood for dance classes, singing lessons and any contest that would come to the Hollywood Bowl.
They proudly became U.S. citizens in the 1960's and moved to Santa Monica for 10 years where they were active members of the Morgan Wixon Theatre. For the next twenty something years Barbara was secretary to the President of Home Savings and Loan in Beverly Hills, as well as a New Accounts Manager.

Raymond Nettleton preceded her in death on Nov. 8 1991.

Barbara met James Allen in a bereavement group in 1992 they married 3 years later, he preceded her in death in 1995.

Barbara's love of dancing led her to join her daughter Denise's tap classes where they rehearsed and did some wonderful shows together.
Barbara became very involved volunteering at the Little Company of Mary and was an avid member of the Yorkshire Club, the Scottish-American Club and the Britannia/American Legion Club where she met Joseph Helfrich, musician and former butcher shop owner.
Barbara and Joseph shared interests in music and dancing, they fell in love and were together for 14 years.

In 2001 Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but to the amazement of her doctors and all those around her she seemed unaffected by the disease most of the time.
In 2005, Barbara and Joe took residence together in Torrance, CA. In later years this enabled Barbara to remain in the comfort of their home.

Barbara is survived by her fiancé Joseph Helfrich and her daughter Denise Nettleton Jacobs of Rolling Hills, CA.

Interment will be at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Nov. 17 at a family home. Please contact Jessica Kelley for info at mjilligan@yahoo.com

In lieu of flowers donations are welcome in her memory to Providence Trinity Care Hospice (2601 Airport Drive, Suite 230 Torrance, CA 90505 310-530-3800) or any Cancer Research Program of your choice.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275