Barbara Baca was born February 11, 1936 to Predicando and Lola Pena in St. Johns, Arizona. The second of 12 children, Barbara attended St. John's Elementary and Graduated from St. Johns High School. In 1955, Barbara was courted by George R. Baca, who was on leave from the USMC en route to Dallas, Texas. Barbara and George fell in love and 12 days later, in the evening, George proposed to Barbara. Wanting her to accompany him to Texas the next day, Barbara’s parents woke up the town Judge late that night, were able to arrange a quick marriage ceremony and at 11:55 pm, July 24, 1955, George and Barbara were married.
After a short stay in Texas, George and Barbara settled into the City of Orange, California. In 1960, they purchased their first home, raising five children. Barbara briefly worked for Laura Scudder’s Co while attending night school at Santa Ana College, where she took Business Administration classes. Later in 1966, Barbara began her tenure with JCPenney in the City of Orange in a retail position.
Concerned about the rapid growth during their 15 years in Orange and looking for a more rural life, reflective of their own experience growing up in St. Johns, George and Barbara found their “Dream Home” in the small town of Norco, California. Moving to Norco provided the family the opportunity and pleasure of raising horses, cattle and other farm animals in a more laid-back community. Barbara was able to transfer to the newly opened JCPenney’s at the Tyler Mall, Riverside, eventually retiring from a clerical bookkeeper position in 1983. During this time, she also partnered with her husband, George, as the bookkeeper for his construction company of over 45 years.
In 1986, Barbara began her tenure with the Corona Norco Unified School District as a Noon Supervisor. She later advanced to a Special Education Paraeducator position and performed other clerical duties at the District Office eventually retiring in 2003.
Over the years Barbara added to her home economics skills of cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and crafting by attending floral and painting classes. With these skills she was able to assist as a florist, seamstress and even use her culinary skills for many weddings and functions. She especially enjoyed making floral arrangements during the holiday seasons. In addition to these skills, she was known for her good home cooking and famous lemonade. Her tamales were always a big hit, being shared with family and friends, on order for sale at times and even taught by her on how to make them.
Barbara believed in putting family first, helping everyone and having a welcoming home. Being retired gave her the opportunity to help raise and care for grandchildren and great grandchildren. She volunteered at the church, schools, for the PTA, sports and even found time to join health workout groups and meet up with family and friends.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, George R. Baca and daughter, Dolores Acevedo. She is survived by four children and spouses Jeffery (Kathy), Joyce (David “Butch”), Geraldine (Felipe) and George (Terri), 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Barbara dearly loved her entire family and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of her life.
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