Janice F Barber

Serious collector of oversized & funny coffee mugs from thrift shops, who single-handedly kept Murrieta’s in business since 1982 (“The number eleven with chicken please, Enrique.”), and the most supportive and loving wife and friend in San Diego County, Janice “Sis” Louise Barber, of Chula Vista passed on July 16, 2022 at the age of 74.

The daughter of a Pearl Harbor veteran and survivor, Janice was raised with a patriotic spirit. With her courageous and upbeat attitude, the feisty 1966 graduate of Aviation High School overcame a few early life challenges and in 1977 she arrived in the San Diego area, ready to take on the world. It wasn’t long before her mentor, friend and future mother-in-law threw a Christmas Eve soiree in 1979 with the sole intention of setting up Janice with her handsome son, Charles “Steve” Barber. Her future mother-in-law knew exactly what she was doing and Steve received the best Christmas present ever. From that day on, Janice and Steve were inseparable; they finished each other’s sentences, laughed at their inside jokes, and proudly voted for the same political candidates.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barber were married shortly after and were the light of each other’s lives for over 42 years. Together they went on many adventures, traveling to a plethora of National Parks, historic US cities, and other parts of the world. Janice was proud to earn her Realtor license, where she and her mother-in-law had a successful real estate partnership in San Diego County for years. When her mother-in-law needed care, Janice was honored to be of service and there for her. She also cared for parents in their final years.

Janice is survived by the love of her life, her dear husband Steve; her California nieces, Diana and Lisa; her beloved militia of Mississippi nieces and nephews that include Bobby, Brandon, Heather, Jase, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Katie, Liz, Mary Ellen, Stephanie, Tiffany, Trey, and Wendy; and a horde of loyal, devoted, and deviously delightful “sisters” whom made her life complete.

We invite anyone in the community who was touched by Janice’s smile, bigger personality, or her well-known ‘big big hugs’ to join the family for a celebration of her life at the Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California on August 17, 2022 from 11:00am to 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, Janice requested we please support the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an organization dear to her heart. If you are so inclined, please visit www.sdzwa.org/Donate to donate to this lovely cause.