Mercedes Cecilia Flynn Barnitz
Mercedes Barnitz passed away on the morning of June 30th, 2017 in the home she loved. Born and raised in Santa Barbara (Her favorite place on Earth) she made her way through the eventful time period of the world in her own fashion.
An early “Beach Girl,” avid Tennis Player, Lover of Books and Art, First Wave Culinary Star, Mother of 2 (Spencer and Liz) yet also a “Mom” to many of their friends as well . Her Dinner Parties were legendary as was her loyalty to the people she loved. Thanksgiving was a particular favorite as those with nowhere to go were always welcome…
Graduating from SBHS in the late 50’s and married for a time to Walter Barnitz, she embarked on a career as a single mother after his death in the early 70’s – She flourished as the head of Nacra Catamarans through the 70’s and 80’s meeting colorful characters from all parts of the globe while also staying close to the Ocean ..
A “live and let live” spirit carried and served her well on her journey through this life and while she was enamored of all the places in her travels, a deep rooted connection to Santa Barbara was always present. From the Mesa to Montecito, from Mountain Drive to the Mission and ultimately to her downtown home , she felt and lived an undying passion for the land she loved …
She leaves behind her children, many relatives, and a whole bunch of admirers for a life well lived.