Barbara Haebel

Barbara was born July 26, 1929 to Newton Wilbur Shellenberger and Sarah Esther (Yerkes) Shellenberger in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia and was always proud to declare that she was a Philly Girl. She attended West Chester State Teachers College (now West Chester University) meeting her future husband Robert Edward Haebel during their freshman year. Upon their graduation in 1951, Robert was commissioned a United States Marine Corps Second Lieutenant. He immediately proposed to Barbara and they were married on September 1, 1951.

Barbara taught kindergarten, first and second grade for eight years before focusing on raising her Marine family. After seventeen duty stations, the final being the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, the Haebels settled in nearby Vista, California.

Barbara was an artist accomplished at drawing, painting, calligraphy, crafting and had expert cursive penmanship. She was an avid collector and interior designer creating beautiful home environments showcasing their collections from around the world. Barbara had a sense of style, was dedicated to her beauty routine and looked effortlessly beautiful every day. She appreciated other cultures and learned to cook Indian, French, Chinese cuisine much to her family's delight. Barbara had a sweet tooth especially for chocolate caramels and was always happy to share treats with her friends and family.

Barbara had a lifelong love of flowers and gardening. She studied the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana creating many vibrant and interesting arrangements. Having a green thumb she enjoyed tending her rose garden nurturing and expanding it to over 30 different varieties, her favorite being the fragrant Mr. Lincoln.

Barbara appreciated all animals - especially her dogs. Her love of dogs started with a Scottie, a gift from her husband during their college romance. She enjoyed studying birds and butterflies from her kitchen window while always pampering her dogs. A year and a half ago she found a wonderful companion in Sandy, a Pomeranian dog she rescued from the Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Deborah Lee Haebel, Lisa Louise (Haebel) Holden, son-in-law John Patrick Holden, Colonel USMC (ret), and daughter-in-law Kimberly Joy Haebel. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren Alivia Lee Howard, Heidi Howard Estes, John Patrick McIntyre Holden, Ryan Elyse Holden, Jessica Lynn Haebel, Ian James Bradbury, Raquell Jane Bradbury, Lauren Joy Haebel, three great-grandchildren Jacob Bailey Brethauer, Odetta Bee Estes and Azzo Cezanne Estes and Sandy.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Robert Edward Haebel, Major General, USMC (ret) (2017) and their sons William Jay Haebel (1960) and Jeffrey Clark Haebel (1997).

A funeral service for Barbara was held at the Camp Pendleton Memorial Chapel on January 24, 2020 at 2:00 pm. She will be interred with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery following a graveside service on March 13, 2020 at 10:00 am.