Barbara Jean Rotondi

Barbara Jean Rotondi (Powell), affectionately known as “Barb”, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11th, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on September 30, 1945, in Macomb, Illinois, Barbara was the beloved daughter of Wayne and Darlyne Powell (Fisher) and loving wife of 55 years to Giovanni. Her journey was one marked by love, kindness, and devotion to her family and the children whose lives she enriched.

Barbara graduated from Macomb High School in 1963. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to earn an Associate’s degree in Child Development. She began her career in early childhood education as a teacher at Vista Valley Day School. In 1992, Barbara opened B&C Daycare. She then continued her path in education as a Special Education Assistant in the Math Department at Rancho Buena Vista High School, until her retirement in 2010.

Barbara’s greatest joy came from being a devoted grandmother to her two grandsons. She treasured every moment spent with them, from reading stories to cheering them on as they experienced life’s early adventures. An avid reader herself, Barbara delighted in hundreds of books, with the novels of Debbie Macomber holding a special place in her heart. Her home, adorned with a vast collection of angel figurines, reflected her gentle spirit and love for all things heavenly. She will also be remembered for having a witty sense of humor and bringing joy to those around her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her newborn son, Frankie; her newborn daughter, Rose; her parents, Wayne and Darlyne Powell; her sisters, Sharon Sadler and Dorothy Vanier; and her brother, Richard Powell.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 55 years, Giovanni; her son, Paul (Katherine) Rotondi, of Oceanside, California; her daughter, Catherine (David) Mears, also of Oceanside, California; and her cherished grandsons, Zachary Mears of Vista, California, and John Mears of Falls Church, Virginia.

The family is deeply grateful to Elizabeth Hospice, as well as Barbara’s dedicated caregiver, Tinisha, for their compassionate care and support during Barbara’s final days.

She will be laid to rest at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California following an intimate ceremony with immediate family. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 11th, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember Barbara’s remarkable life. Details will be shared soon.

In memory of Barb’s enduring love and kindness, the family kindly asks that charitable donations be made to the Barbara Jean Rotondi Mathematics Scholarship (link below), in lieu of flowers.

If you have memories or stories of Barb that you’d like to share, the family invites you to do so and keep her spirit alive in those recollections.

To those who knew her, Barb was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend. She was a beacon of kindness, a loving heart, and an angel on earth. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

Link: https://barbararotondischolarship.betterworld.org/