BARBARA STIENSTRA

STIENSTRA, BARBARA February 15, 1946 to June 7, 2010 Barbara (Recchia) Stienstra, 64, of Mesa, AZ, passed away Monday, June 7, 2010 at her residence. She was born February 15, 1946 in Boston, MA. Barbara spent many years self-employed as well as an employee in the healthcare field. In the late '70's, early '80's she worked on a fishing boat in Alaska. Barbara's passion and love was cooking, baking and most of all preparing gourmet meals for her family and friends. She enjoyed the arts and traveling and shared many stories about her trips to England, France, Italy and Ireland. She was the rare person who actually got it. Her sharp sense of humor and quick wit were her signature. She never dwelled on the negative and always strived to be better than the day before. She was a gracious host to her guests and she regaled them with numerous stories of growing up in an extended Italian family. She was truly a beautiful person. She left us entirely too early. We think of her every day and smile at the memories. What better legacy could anyone hope to leave. Rest well, Barbara. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Nicholas and Kim Cushman of Mesa, AZ, her daughter Tammie Cushman of La Mesa, CA, her granddaughter Ashlyn Thomas, her mother, Evelyn (Mattei) Recchia, her brother and sister-in-law Mario and Liz Recchia of Surprise, AZ, her sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Ernie Torgeson of San Diego, CA and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Per her family's wishes, Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 777 W. Southern Avenue, Suite 301, Building C, Mesa, AZ 85210-5062. Stars shining bright above you; Night breezes seem to whisper I love you? Birds singing in the sycamore tree. Dream a little dream of me. Say nighty-night and kiss me; Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me. While I'm alone, blue as can be, Dream a little dream of me. Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you--- Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you. But in your dreams, whatever they be, Dream a little dream of me.