If you’ve ever crossed paths with her, you’d remember her extravagant appearance—but chances are, you don’t know her name. She is the enigmatic woman of Tiburon, dressed every day in purple from head to toe: a walking vision of vibrancy and warmth. To those who don’t know her, she’s simply “The Purple Lady.” Barbara Meislin has devoted herself for decades to a singular mission: spreading joy wherever she goes.
In moments when the world needs it most, Meislin’s presence is a beacon of gratitude and peacefulness. A woman whose personal outlook is one of unwavering optimism, Meislin has learned that the best way to find joy is simply to keep looking for it in different places and of course, to keep sharing it.
Meislin was Redwood High School’s first French and Spanish teacher when it opened in 1958. While teaching, she became pregnant with her first child, Lori.
“The child that I was pregnant with when I was teaching at Redwood unfortunately had a serious, very rare illness and died at seven,” Meislin said.
This tragedy, along with the loss of her brother to cancer, prompted Meislin to create the Library of Hope at the Hospice of Marin, a service that provides resources to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Losing her daughter caused Meislin to reflect on her systems of processing tragedy. To instill hope in anyone struggling to process their hardships, she wrote a book titled “No One Can Ever Steal Your Rainbow.” Meislin emphatically tells readers that the good inside them remains untouchable, unwavering in any situation.
“We all have things that hit us in life that we don’t expect, but we still have to find joy in life and share it with other people,” Meislin said.
Another enduring gift given in her late daughter’s honor is a congenial gazebo in Tiburon’s McKegney Park near the bike path, where people often stop for a few minutes to bask in the serene ambiance. The gazebo, which looks out onto the graceful stillness of San Francisco Bay, is a physical representation of one of Meislin’s core beliefs: everyone in the world often overlooks the value of taking time to be present and grateful.
“Be aware of how many people are suffering throughout the world and how fortunate we are here. We are blessed in what we have in this county,” Meislin said. “There are many people who don’t have [luxuries], so do something for somebody else every day and be very aware of saying thank you.”
A great source of joy for Meislin is music. After she heard someone playing guitar at Del Mar Middle School, she knew she had to learn how to play, and her passion for music eventually brought her to teach guitar at Dominican University. This prompted her love for writing and performing French music all over Marin County. Though Meislin has had a long, multifaceted career in music, she summarizes its purpose quite simply.
“Music has just been a constant part of my life, and it gives me great joy,” said Meislin.
Jocelyn KnightTo further share the delight that music brings her, she is a longtime volunteer at Bread & Roses, where she helps give marginalized groups access to free, live performances. Dave Perron, Executive Director of the organization, has had the opportunity to work closely with Meislin and notes how her passion for music has helped the community profoundly.
“Barbara has been a tireless force in our efforts to bring music to new audiences. She understands the power—sometimes therapeutically— that music can bring, and she just wants to get that to as many people as possible,” Perron said.
If you’re still wondering where all the purple fits in, you have to understand that it isn’t just a fashion choice; it’s a lifestyle.
“Colors, through the energy of their wavelengths, have a certain effect on the body and psyche,” Meislin said. “Purple gives joy. It’s a way to connect with other people.”
In a world that is becoming more and more fragmented, a reminder to connect couldn’t come at a better time. Nowhere is this better displayed than at a playground in a small village in Israel called Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam—meaning Oasis of Peace, in Hebrew and Arabic—where 50 Israeli and Palestinian families have lived together for years to show that peace is possible. Barbara Meislin created this playground in honor of her daughter, Lori. Even though they only spent seven years together, neither of them was aware of the infectious and vital joy that their lives, short and long, would eventually create together.
Learn from Meislin and find something in every day for which you are grateful.
