Barbara Jean Banchero

1938 - 2019

1938 ~ 2018
Barbara Jean (Wright) Banchero was born February 15, 1938 to Evan and Jean Wright in Johannesburg, South Africa. She led a young life rich in experience while traveling the world and moving with her parents and younger brothers between Salt Lake City, England, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Barbara was a stunning beauty who always showed her brilliant smile. She had a kind soul, with a captivating personality and an incredible gift for storytelling.
Barbara attended primary school in South Africa. She continued her education at East High School in Salt Lake City, where she was the editor of the yearbook. At the University of Utah, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and received a degree in English. After graduation, she taught junior high in Magna, UT, then moved to San Francisco, spending two years in the business world. Barbara was encouraged by her parents, from whom she inherited an adventurous nature, to pursue independence and life experience. She traveled to over 40 countries in her lifetime and spent her free time exploring cultures and seeking adventure, including spending a summer during college in Hawaii working and living island life to its fullest.
While at the University, Barbara met Larry Banchero in a poetry class. The couple married after a few years of friendship, and together they didn't miss a beat in the pursuit of adventure. They moved to Bogota, Colombia, where Larry had a Fulbright grant. Barbara immediately embraced the culture, and learned Spanish as they traveled through South America. To pursue their advanced education goals, they moved to Madison, WI, where Barbara taught high school English. There, they welcomed daughter Rebecca and twin sons Nicholas and Joseph. Barbara was always deeply saddened by Joseph's passing after only 19 days together. She always kept him in her heart and made him part of the family. When a faculty position opened at the University of Texas for Larry, the family moved to Austin, where they became complete with the birth of son, David. After several years in Austin, the family relocated again--this time for Barbara's career--to Kansas City for a year before making their permanent home in Atlanta, GA.
Barbara was always proud to have been on the pioneering forefront of women in business. After years spent in education, she held high-ranking positions with Avon and Lancôme. Her work life in the cosmetics industry was filled with travel to Paris, New York, and all over the Southeast. Barbara loved her children more than anything and aimed to pass on confidence, independence, and a love for adventure. She took them with her on her travels whenever possible, creating a lifetime of memories.
Barbara was a voracious reader, seeker of knowledge, lover of animals, avid knitter, and great cook. She was a delightful contradiction: a proper and well-mannered lady with a true rebel spirit. She created an atmosphere within her home that was warm and inviting with an open door to friends and family, who couldn't wait to be invited over for her renowned roast or South African curry. Barbara led a fun-filled family life where everyone was always close and encouraged to be themselves.
Barbara passed away gently on November 19, 2018 surrounded in the love of family. She is survived by ex-husband, Lawrence of Atlanta; two sons, Nicholas (Rebecca) Banchero and a soon-to-be grandson of Seattle, and David (Marianne) Banchero and grandson, Evan, of Atlanta; a brother, Douglass (Jean) Wright of Napa, California. She was preceded in death by son Joseph, parents Evan and Jean Wright, and brother, Jeremy Wright. Her daughter, Rebecca Jean Banchero died, five weeks after Barbara.
Her family loved her dearly and will miss her always, a generous and loving soul.
Joint memorials for Barbara and her daughter, Rebecca, will be held in Atlanta and Salt Lake City in late spring 2019. We will contact friends and family when place and date are established. Please contact us with any questions you may have. Barbara will be laid to rest with her son Joseph in Salt Lake City next to her mother and father. Instead of flowers, please contribute to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org), the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org), or the Georgia Transplant Foundation (gatransplant.org) or to an animal or wildlife organization.