Barbara Vogt Mallery

Honored October 2006

Barbara Vogt Mallery

Barbara Mallery has been named a Living Treasure not so much for what she has done (although she has done a great deal), but for who she is. Words from her many letters of nomination say it best:

"Barby is so interested in each being that she gives each and every one of us her undivided attention. She is selfless like a saint! She has not an ounce of prejudice in her bones, and has compassion for all. She is always there, helping, helping, helping."

"Barb's service to the Santa Fe community, her wonderful positive outlook on life, and her warmth, kindness and infectious smile all lend credence to the fact that she is truly a Living Treasure."

"Barbara's life is committed to being ready to do the next kind act for community, friends and family. She dances the dance she believes in, and makes a difference almost daily to someone or some cause, to make our lives richer and the planet a better place."

"Barby is as solid as her history is rich. She is an example of how to live life to the fullest, how to meet adversity with strength and a positive attitude. I have never heard a negative or discouraged word from her. Barby is tenacious, hopeful, heart-affirming."

"She is absolutely fascinated by the lives of others--calling, writing and getting together with a great variety of people. At 86 she has an amazing memory for 'who's who' in the community and the world, and she continually shares her ideas with other people."

The accolades go on and on, but space grows limited. For the record, these are some of the things Barbara has done: led a Cub Scout troop, been membership chairman of her church, raised a special-needs son and other children, read aloud to the visually impaired, served on the Living Treasures committee, volunteered for many causes, worked for government and St. John's College.

And in her spare time, she worked for many years on a memoir about her pioneering family and their ranch near Ramah, N.M. Then after Bailing Wire and Gamuza was published in 2003, it won five separate awards, including Southwest Book of the Year.