It is with a very heavy heart we share that on Friday, July 26, 2019, surrounded by family, Sunshine Barbie (Barbara McKee) quietly passed, leaving a space in this world impossible to fill.

She is survived by daughters Lynn McKee Hawks, Maureen McKee, Karen McKee Kennedy, granddaughters Kimberly Faer, Shannon McKee, Brenna Kennedy, Kylah Kennedy, Rebecca Hawks Kenney, Hilary Hawks Telson, grandsons Kevin Hawks, Aaron Bond, Tristan Hawks, and GREAT Grandchildren Amanda Faer, Lindsey Faer, Carlisle Hawks, Holland Hawks, Lyric Kenney, Rocklan Kenney, Harrison Telson and Huntley Telson.

Her 90-year life, lived with epic style and zest, leaves a legacy that will clearly guide her family for generations. She was our “true north” our cheerleader, friend and confidant, and at times that voice reminding us to “think it through and check our intention.”

She was a real-life, one of a kind original “Malibu Barbie.” A resident of Malibu California from 1952-2003, she and husband Bill McKee (Passed 1984) raised their family, supported the community and built a life fondly remembered. Decades before being “the thing to do” in hindsight we realize Barbie and Bill were true trailblazers in organic living, conservation, and preservation, everyday principles growing up as a McKee. Barbies Malibu life included the loss of a family home to Malibu fires and becoming a widow at the tender age of 55 and yet her fortitude, optimistic resilience, love of life and endless can-do approach became lessons of strength we embrace today.

Barbie was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, a tradition continued today by daughter Karen Kennedy and granddaughters Kylah and Brenna. She taught preschool for years, was a youth leader at Saint Aidan's Episcopal Church, founded McKees Feed and Garden with Bill and owned a flower kiosk with an A-List of celebrity customers who quickly became friends that regularly stopped by just to say hi, catch up and get their “daily dose of Sunshine.”

In 2003 (at 74) she moved to Dell Web, Palm Desert, to begin a new chapter in the sun. Continuing her Sunshine Barbie style, hospitality was the gift she shared freely. Her house was open to everyone with the attitude of “there’s always a reason to have a party.” Simple little dinner parties, ladies poker night, the annual Barbara McKee St. Patty's Day Bash, entertaining for Barbie was like breathing…

Spare time and being idle didn’t exist in Barbies world. In her senior years, she traveled to Europe, Asia, Panama, took an Alaskan cruise and in 2005 partnered with Gerald Ford Elementary, her great-granddaughters school, to teach students by example the lesson of philanthropy as she personally organized a care drive for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Collecting thousands of donated items, she and her family of volunteers made hundreds upon hundreds of shoebox care packages to quickly meet the need. The community outpouring for a project that truly made a difference was spectacular.

Barbie embraced every opportunity to make a difference, share a smile, soften sadness, giving of herself, whether a bite of food from her own plate or a substantial donation of personal resources… others were ALWAYS first, without exception. As she navigated the confusion and trauma of her own Alzheimers journey, she would often be seen reaching out to other residents at Caleo Bay Memory Care, asking them, “What’s the Matter? What do you need? How can I help you?

But above all else, her family came first… always a phone call or visit away, she kept close tabs on everyone and we, her daughters and grandchildren, returned the favor.

In Barbies world, nothing was ever done halfway: her massive list of close friends, FUN and fabulous parties and her daily desire to make things better for others; her family, her community, all speak to her life, one lived with purpose, thoughtfulness and ultimate style. She leaves a legacy and example of "others before self” for her family and all blessed with the good fortune of knowing her.

“Time does heal,” yes, and “she lived a long and EPIC life," true, but as our Mom, our grandmother, great grandmother, and dear friend, we cry selfish tears as she will be deeply missed every day. But, we hear Barbies voice loud and clear… Why are you crying? Stop crying, wipe those tears and BE HAPPY.” Let’s have a party! We love you Sunshine Barbie!!

Barbie passed peacefully from anemia, ending her suffering from advanced Alzheimer's.

The Celebration of Life for Barbara McKee will be held on September 7th at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers gifts to go to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.