Barbara was born into a family of three older brothers - the cherished baby sister. She was a tomboy and grew up supporting Notre Dame (go Fightin’ Irish!) because of the family’s proud legacy in the engineering department. At 19 she met the love of her life, David at a college dance in San Francisco. Both from the Bay Area, they had a lot in common and fell madly in love. Together they welcomed four daughters: Mary, Maureen, Margaret and Monica, raising them in Fresno. Their life was devoted to family. Barbara was an amazing mom, grandma, and great-grandma. Her life was spent in service to others and she was always there to lend a hand or say a prayer with you. She taught her girls how to be great moms through example, a gift that is being shared with future generations thanks to Barbara’s spirit and love. Besides being with family, mom and dad enjoyed time with friends, traveling and shopping. Mom was especially gifted at shopping. She always found the perfect gift that carried special meaning. When Dad passed in November, 2014 it was Mom’s wish to be reunited with him, as they were constant companions throughout their life’s adventure. On October 2nd God took her to be with her beloved Dave and her heavenly family. She passed peacefully after 82 years of a fulfilled life of love. We are lucky mom spent six precious weeks with her family before passing while also receiving wonderful care from Nazareth House, Hinds Hospice and “Mary’s caregivers”.
Her loss is felt by those of us she left behind, including her children (and spouses); Mary and Randal Castro, Maureen Lewis and Hal Kissler, Margaret and Rodger Banuelos, Monica and Mark Bachman; grandchildren (and spouses) Matt and Ashley Spenhoff, Ashley and Paul Newell, Brianna Castro, Jamie and Justin Zoetewey, Brendan Castro, Kyle Banuelos, Bridget Banuelos, Nick Bachman and Drew Bachman; and great-grandchildren Hunter, Keira and Quinn.
A private family internment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, California.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Nazareth House of Fresno, 2121 N First Street, Fresno CA 93703
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