Barbara Jean Mulligan

12/4/1926 – 2/6/2023

Barbara was born in Fresno, California to Walter and Fanny Tanner on December 4, 1926, and died in Fresno, California on February 6, 2023 at the age of 96.

Barbara was part of the first graduating class from San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno in 1946.

She met her forever husband, John C. Mulligan, after he returned from the war in 1945, marrying in 1946. They settled in Fresno their entire married life, nearly 67 years prior to John’s passing in 2013, raising their daughter, Kathy, and son, Kevin.

Barbara was predominately a wife, mother and housewife, but prior to marriage worked as a nursery school teacher and later as her children got older, a manicurist. She was always very active at her children’s schools, Sacred Heart and San Joaquin Memorial, leader of the brownie and Girl Scout troops and always, always working as the head of the decorations committee for all the school benefits. Everyone that knew Barbara knew what a wonderful artist and painter she was. She always knew how to make things more beautiful. In her later years, she got back to her watercolor and acrylic paintings and nothing made her happier than to gift her friends and family with a new painting.

More than anything, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, painting and celebrating anything or anyone at a good party. Many a good time was spent at family dinners, luncheons and celebrations at Sunnyside Country Club in the early years, and later Fort Washington Country Club.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father and mother, Walter and Fanny Tanner, her husband, John C. Mulligan, brother, Raymond Tanner, sister-in-law, Emma Tanner, nephew Douglas Tanner, niece, Janice Tanner-Stockton, and Sister and Brother-In-Laws, Isabelle and Walter Baziuk.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Birnbaum and her husband, Dr. Alan Birnbaum, her son, Kevin Mulligan and his wife, JoDe, her cherished grandchildren, Patrick Mulligan, Jenny Mulligan and Kelly Machado and her husband Ryan, her adorable great-grandchildren Ryan Jr. and Leva Machado as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregiver and angel Marla Lynn, as well as a deep appreciation to Dr. Alfred Valles.

A Memorial Service for Barbara will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Nancy Hinds Hospice Home, 1416 W Twain, Fresno, CA, 93711 or St. Agnes Foundation, 1111 E. Spruce St., Fresno, CA, 93720, or the donor’s favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Mulligan family.