The city of Santa Barbara is coming to terms with the loss of one of its most cherished historical voices. Erin Graffy de Garcia, a renowned local author and historian known for her in-depth knowledge of Santa Barbara’s high society, has died at age 69 after a battle with cancer.
Graffy de Garcia’s work as an author and historian has left an indelible mark on the Santa Barbara community. Her insightful recordings of the city’s social and cultural dynamics brought to life the richness of its history and the vibrancy of its present. With a career spanning several decades, Graffy de Garcia was a fixture in local historical circles, contributing much to the understanding and appreciation of the area’s past.
She wrote and published “How to Santa Barbara” and “Old Spanish Days: Santa Barbara History Through Public Art,” to name a few.
Her friends, colleagues, and readers remember her for not just her historical expertise but for the warmth and personality she brought to her work. Graffy de Garcia’s books and articles became a key part of Santa Barbara’s collective memory, providing posterity with a window into the area’s evolution throughout the years. Her written work covered a diverse range of topics, from the tales of the founding families to the idiosyncrasies of current events and personalities.
The news of her passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her and those who felt they knew Santa Barbara better thanks to her work. Her legacy will continue in the pages she wrote, the history she preserved, and in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her or reading her stories.
Memorial and funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
A true loss to our community.
Rest in peace Erin, you’re already missed.
I had the pleasure of taking a Newcomers tour of lower State St. with Erin as the tour leader. We hit it off instantly! She loved my NOO-YAWK accent and my Italian-American heritage, and called me: JOE-SEPPI.
She introduced me to many friends, especially at the Westerners Club and University Club. She and her husband Jim encouraged and supported me to create a first time ever (Electricity) history presentation for the Westerners…something I had never done before. And at first a little intimidating for me a Newcomer to be presenting history to the Graffy’s and 40+ other long time residents. However with Erin’s power of persuasion, we all learned something new about ourselves and Santa Barbara that special evening.
Santa Barbara lost a great woman and friend this week, and I am grateful for having known her, to be taught by her and to be considered a friend. Hopefully LOTS of chocolate cake up there in Heaven!!!
Sincerest condolences to Neal and the many others who knew and loved Erin. My interaction with Erin mainly took place at benefits and such, but I always liked her. She was gracious and every inch a class act. I am still pissed off at whomever it was who stole my copy of “How to Santa Barbara.” I love(d) that book.