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Barbara Fajardo Obituary
Barbara Allen Fajardo, 69, of Salinas, passed away in her sleep due to complications from cancer Thursday, April 29, 2010.
She was born in Cambridge, Idaho to Miriam and Fred Hathhorn. As a child she lived in all the west coast states: Washington, Oregon, and California, and loved her regular visits to her grandparents ranch in Idaho, where she would be picked up in a buckboard wagon. She learned her tireless work ethic from her father Fred who was a machinist, and her love of travel from her mother Miriam. She received a degree in Math from UC Davis and began teaching elementary school. Hers was a life dedicated to others. She answered the call to service by volunteering in the Peace Corps and was stationed in Quillabamba, Peru, from 1964-1966, where she established a pre-school. While in Peru she met and fell in love with José Carlos Fajardo, whom she married in 1966 in the seaside town of Pachacamac. After living and teaching in Lima, Peru, until 1979, she taught in the Salinas schools for over thirty years, where she championed bilingual education, Reading Recovery, and the importance of a rich and varied curriculum to stimulate young minds. Her dedication earned her numerous professional recognitions and she was honored by the City and Mayor of Salinas for her work in support of the Salinas Public Libraries. She was also an active participant in the peace and Latin American solidarity movements for many years. When not teaching she could be found in her garden, at the opera, deciphering crossword puzzles, reading history books, or traveling the globe. She was known for her kindness, her sage advice, and her Christmas cookies.
Survivors: Barbara is lovingly remembered by her husband, José Carlos Fajardo; her children, Sara, Cristy, Daniel, Juan, and Manuel Antonio; her brother, Stanley Hathhorn; two grandchildren, Susana and Nicolas; sons-in law Ted Henning and Armando Moncayo and her devoted daughter-in-law Elizabeth Fajardo; as well as friends and family in many countries.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at 160 Sunflower Lane, Watsonville.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or remembrances, the family asks that donations be made to help Prudence Komujinya, an acid attack survivor from Uganda and friend of Barbara's, in order that she may receive needed surgeries. Details will be forthcoming at http://prudencefund.wordpress.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Fajardo
ben soriano
May 12, 2010
daniel. she did a fine job in life. you and your family are blessed, and i see her spirit for humanity and compassion in your endeavors. let's pray that we can do a fragment of what's she's done for others on earth. your family is in our prayers.
May 11, 2010
Barbara and I were roommates at UCD. We were very fond of one another and she was a lovely person. My heart goes out to her family may their memories sustain them. I miss her. Claudia Spidell Henry Fulton.
Cynthia Reyes
May 6, 2010
Cristy, Sara & family, I am so sorry to hear about your great loss. Mrs. Fajardo was my 1st. grade teacher and one of the few who have made a difference in my life. She is loved and will be missed, you are all in my prayers.
Ruben Roque
May 6, 2010
I am sorry for your loss Cristy and family. Barbara was a wonderful person and teacher. She was my older brother's and my teacher in Alisal Elementary School. Be strong Cristy, I know you will be, you always have been. I will pray for you and your family.
irma castaneda
May 6, 2010
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Barbara Fajardo. She was my 1st grade teacher I am now 35 and she is the only teacher I will always remember. God Bless her and her family
Cecilia Sanchez
May 5, 2010
I only knew Barbara from workshops or district meetings, but she was always a very special person. There are many young people out there who have a love for learning because of her. God Bless Barbara and her family
Jeanelle Carrasco
May 4, 2010
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Barbara Fajardo. I met Cristy in the first grade and we have been friends ever since. I remember meeting Mrs. Fajardo as she was a teacher at our school(Alisal Elementary) and thought how lucky Cristy was to have her mom at school with her everyday. I have many memories of Mrs. Fajardo. My thoughts and best wishes are with the Fajardo Family and the many friends Barbara has made through out her life's journey.
Migs Carter
May 4, 2010
What a lovely obituary for Barbara. She was indeed a great lady, filled with a special love of life. She loved her family with a unique spirit. Barbara and I share two fabulous Grandchildren. I will do my best to honor her love and her life in my relationship with them. I value my connection with the Fajardo family, feel deeply for your loss and am honored to have known and loved Barbara.
Christina Alig
May 4, 2010
As another one of Sara's friend since the second grade.. I had officially met Mrs.Fajardo in her little orange VW Bug and she gave me many rides home.. with a smile always.. She was a beautiful, sweet, and caring lady. She cared very deeply and welcomed everyone in her home. She is missed dearly.
Keith Kohn
May 4, 2010
I did know Barbara, but I know her daughter Sara. Let me tell you, from what I hear the apple didn't fall too far from the tree and if Sara is anything like her mom then Barbara was an amazing person. My best wishes to the family in this moment of sorrow. Always cherish the best memories so they'll last. And do something good in her honor, again to create a memory that will last.
Peggy Gilkey
May 4, 2010
May 4, 2010
I am really going to miss Barbara. She was a beautiful person who always cared about others. She is my heroine. She showed strength and courage when times were difficult. My thoughts are with all the family members and friends that will feel her absence.
Christi (Arias) Najera
May 4, 2010
I am very saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. I met Cristy and Sara in the late 80's when we all lived in the same neighborhood in Salinas. I remember coming over to their home after school one day and she welcomed me like I was one of the family, without even knowing me...I will never forget that!! My thoughts & prayers are with you all. May you find some comfort in the many memories that you hold in your hearts.
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