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Barbara McMillian Obituary

McMILLIAN,Barbara J. "Babs" On January 4, 2011, the world's quotient of joy and laughter was significantly reduced when Barbara J. "Babs" Snell McMillian died in Tucson, AZ, at age 65, after a brief struggle with ovarian cancer. Her husband Kent and dear friend Mags Petela held her hands as she slipped from life. Babs grew up in San Francisco and resided in Santa Rosa from 1984 until 2009, when she and her husband, Kent, moved to Arizona. Babs's capacity for exuberant living was disproportionate to her petite frame. Her witty bon mots will be quoted by friends and family for years to come. She loved music and danced to every beat she ever heard. World traveler, accomplished cook, dog lover, avid reader, all describe Babs, but her greatest talent was for forming enduring friendships. She enriched the lives of all she met with her own immense joie de vivre. Babs is survived by her adoring husband of 33 years, Kent McMillian, of Saint David, AZ; brother Philip Snell and sister-in-law Ellen of San Anselmo, CA; parents Genevieve "Jeanie" and Arthur "Tim" Snell of San Francisco; and scores of relatives and friends. On Thursday, January 13th, beginning at 6:00 p.m., an Eastern Orthodox Prayer Service and 24-hour Vigil will take place at Protection of the Holy Virgin Parish, St. Seraphim Church, 90 Mountain View Ave., Santa Rosa, CA, 707/584-9491. A funeral will be held on Friday, January 14th, at St. Seraphim church, 10:00 a.m., burial at Oak Mound Cemetery, 601 Piper St. in Healdsburg to follow. A meal in St. Seraphim hall will follow burial.

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Published by Press Democrat from Jan. 11 to Jan. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara McMillian

17 Entries

Jan Khalil

January 5, 2020

Dear Barbara,

We were BFFs in grammar school, high school, and college. You were and always will be like a sister. I remember how we used to crack each other up until tears came out of our eyes. I still find myself thinking about the funny things we did and said and I laugh. Someday I want to find you in heaven and let the giggling and laughing start again. Until then, you are in my heart.

Love

Jan

Paul & Karen Faris

January 14, 2011

Paul and Karen Faris, Kayla, Matthew, Michelle, Johnny, Paulie Jr., and Kateri. As her 1st cousin I always looked forward to my cousin from CA. to come to little Fond du Lac, WI (her moms roots) to visit and just by hanging around albeit briefly I was with my "cool" big cousin and her cool brother Phil, both of whom I look up to very much. She's in heaven now and life is much better for her. We love her and miss her very much.

Vicki White

January 13, 2011

Hello Kent,
Remember me? Vicki White from Barbara and your days at Redwood Covenant Church. I have learned to value each moment and day that I've been given and the people that come into my life for that season. So with sad heart I send you my love and tell you that I give honor to Barbara and who she was and what she taught me.

Holding you in my heart,

Vicki

Elaine Tanaka

January 13, 2011

Dear Babs,

Being with you was always a laugh a minute. It seemed like every time I saw you, we'd end up laughing hysterically about something. I will always remember you coming out of the ladies' room at that bar, doing a little Rockette dance back to the table, as the jukebox played Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." I don't think I've ever known anyone with whom I've laughed more heartily.

You're also the only person I've ever known who was a true optimist and never complained about a single thing. I consider myself very lucky to have known you.

We'll always have Yosemite, and I truly hope some day our paths will cross again.

With much love,
The Kid

Best Friends Forever Sig & Babs 2'10

Sigrid Toreson

January 12, 2011

Having lunch 10'08

Sigrid Toreson

January 12, 2011

Here's to you! 11'07

Sigrid Toreson

January 12, 2011

Barbara, my beloved friend, I mourn your departure from my life, but your exuberant and joyful spirit will remain with me always. You enriched my life and my soul. Farewell, until we meet again.
Sigrid Toreson

Nick Nicholson

January 12, 2011

My wife and I have shared many meal and laughter with Barbara and Ken. We will miss her dearly. Thankfully, we have wonderful memories of her hugs, laughter and smile.

Renee Rollins

January 12, 2011

We met in our first semester in college in an Anthropology class and for 47 years you have been my dearest friend. I will never forget our wonderful times together--the laughter and the tears. I know we will meet again.
Love,
Nee

Thomas Ells

January 12, 2011

Dear Barbara,
You're still the photo we share in my facebook page. My condolences to Kent [and Gaston], which I sent previously to my Glendi "Gyro" buddy. May her spirit be with God.

Macrina Lewis

January 12, 2011

Dear in Christ Barbara, I am so glad that our paths crossed, if but briefly. It is a memory dear to my heart to think about being a witness to the path you and Kentigern made into Orthodoxy, the true home of your heart. I remember the fullness of joy on your face as the time of your baptism drew near. With very much love, Macrina Lewis & Family (Port Townsend, WA)

January 12, 2011

Barbara was my friend since grammer school. We were best friends through 5 years of college at SF State and we remained friends through the years. I will miss giggling with you. You will always be dear to Tony and I. Until we meet again - Love, Jan (Yance)

Tatiana Castillo

January 12, 2011

I will miss you always my sweet Godmother. Wait for me and we will be together again and will never again have to say good bye.

Bruce Mabel

January 12, 2011

Barbara, though I share the grief of your family and friends, I also share memories of the joy surrounding your life. Your spirit most certainly survives.

Eleni Rose

January 11, 2011

Yes my dear girl, you were indeed my favourite Goddaughter. Memory Eternal. I know your soul will dwell with the blessed.

Shelley Graham

January 11, 2011

Babs, I know you're moving mountains and making great friends wherever you are...you certainly did that here. So sorry you didn't know that KVM, Joanzo and I were coming to visit you. Much love to a bright spirit, gone too soon.

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