Celebrating the Life of Barbara Cappa
12/9/1930 – 12/6/2023
On December 6, 2023, we said goodbye to Barbara Cappa – fearless founder, industry trailblazer, and beloved mother, grandmother, and friend.
In 1979, Barbara’s entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of Cappa & Graham, Inc. (Terramar Northern CA’s predecessor). Alongside co-founder Patricia Graham, she built the SF Bay Area’s premier destination management company from a spare bedroom in her home. The business moved to its permanent location at San Francisco’s Pier 50 in 1980, and by 1986, C&G was named “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce – a full-circle moment for its pioneering founders, whose small business loan wasn’t approved until Barbara’s husband agreed to co-sign. Despite early hurdles, Barbara wasn’t one to believe in limits and her hands-on leadership and indomitable spirit earned the company recognition from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and Special Events Magazine.
Barbara’s personal achievements were no less impressive. She was honored with a lifetime achievement award by her local MPI chapter, served two consecutive terms on the Board of the SF Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, was instrumental in the foundation of the DMC Network, and acted as a transportation consultant to the Mayor, City and County of San Francisco.
Barbara on the cover of The Sacramentan Magazine
A proud California native, Barbara loved cheering on her 49ers and was a season ticket holder for many years. She was known to relax with a glass of chardonnay over ice, never missed a hair appointment, and if she was behind the wheel, her manicured nails were likely complemented by a pair of her signature driving gloves. She firmly believed life should be lived to the fullest and spent her later years in San Marcos, CA enjoying sunshine, golf, and friends. It was there she met the love of her life, Lou.
If there was ever a raffle prize to be won, Barbara was sure to take the prize thanks to what she called the “guardian angel” on her shoulder. To many, Barbara was a guardian angel. As a devoted supporter of Hospice by the Bay, board president of her community association, and mentor to countless event professionals, she never hesitated to share her gifts with others.
Barbara with her daughter Linda, grandaughter Christine and great grandson Zaiden
“I was sitting across Barbara at a dinner, so we chatted through the evening,” recalls Violetta Resier, C&G’s longtime graphic designer. “She asked me about Tom, my husband, and if he was a vegetarian like me. I said, ‘No, he’s a carnivore. And that was it. I saw that she cut her steak in half and added some other stuff from her plate. I didn’t give it a thought until we were ready to go home. Barbara pushed the box of leftovers into my hands. ‘Take it to Tom.’ She was taking care of her family.”
Her son-in-law, Gordon Thompson, remembers her as the sort of person who turned heads when she entered a room and drew people in with her positive energy.
Barbara with family
“I always referred to her as the Unsinkable Barbara Cappa. She was one of my favorite people, and I really liked her from the moment I met her,” he shares. “Her special skill was the ability to put people at ease and to identify the bright side of events.
For all her adventures and accomplishments, Barbara’s family knows her favorite place was anywhere she could be surrounded by loved ones.
Barbara is survived by her partner Lou, son Mike and will be missed by many more.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship.
Barbara at home in San Diego