Lena Barry

1917 - 2018

Lena Corral Barry

(Castro Valley and Cold Springs)

Lena (Lee) Corral Barry peacefully passed away on January 10, 2018 at the age of 100. She was born July 7, 1917 in Kalaheo Kauai, Hawaii to Antolin and Maria Corral. Antolin and Maria emigrated from Spain and married in Hawaii. Lena was always proud of being first generation American and being the first born cousin for both families.

Lena was a graduate of Manteca High School in Manteca, CA. She wanted to further her education after attending Modesto Junior College and traveled by bus to Seattle Washington in 1937 to attend University of Washington. She transferred to Washington State University in Pullman and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and teaching credential. She married James (Jim) Barry in 1942 after meeting at a wedding where she was the maid of honor and he was the best man. After WWII, they settled in Hayward / Castro Valley and raised their family Jim, Mary and Carole.

In 1953, she returned to teaching Home Economics at Hayward High School, which became Foothill High School and then moved to the opening of Canyon High School in Castro Valley. She taught at Canyon High for the 13 years it was a high school; and also taught part time at Castro Valley High School. She enjoyed teaching the girls but was always proud that she taught the first "Boys Home Economics" class in the area. She was a perfectionist who taught you how to do things the right way, though not always popular for that but it will be her legacy; and you always knew when she was coming down the hallway with the clickety clack of her high heels. She retired from teaching in 1977.

She and Jim built their retirement home in Cold Springs, California; and lived there for over 30 years. Many friends and family visited them over the years and enjoyed her cooking and baking, especially her pies and breakfasts. You never left her home hungry! They were avid travelers and together they shared the experience of visiting almost every continent and making friends in many places throughout this wonderful world.

Lena will be joining Jim; her parents, Antolin and Maria; her sisters Rose Ybarrola and Lucia Trujillo; her brothers Frank Corral and Tony Corral in the eternal afterlife. She is survived by her son, James R. Barry (Dena), of San Jose, CA; daughter Mary Barry Hertzog (David) of Ocean Shores, WA; daughter Carole Barry of San Leandro, CA; grandson Kevin Barry of San Jose; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The family wants to extend their appreciation to the caregivers at Casa Sandoval and the special hospice angels from Gentiva/Kindred Hospice. They lovingly cared and looked after her.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass celebrating her life to be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 22824 Second Street, Hayward, CA on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 10:30AM. Inurnment will be private at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Hayward.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a remembrance, the family requests donations in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or the charity of your choice.