Barbara Douville

1943 – 2026

Barbara was a warm, caring person with a generous smile that flashed grace and humor to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was born in Southern California and finished high school at Van Nuys High.

Barbara became a real estate agent and moved to Nevada City in the early 80s. After years of selling homes and property, she felt that she had to do something that better suited her passion, to help those with greater struggles. She returned to school at Sacramento State University and attained her BA in education at the age of 53. She accepted a position as a Special Education teacher in Penn Valley, where she met her future husband, Paul Douville.

Now married, Barbara’s next education adventure led them to Downieville in 1977, where she headed the Special Education program at Downieville School. She loved her work, her students, and, most of all, the warm, accepting community of Downieville.

She will be greatly missed by all those whom she taught, worked with, and cared for.