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Barbara Fabela Obituary
At rest in San Francisco, CA on Nov. 26, 2012, age 64 years. Daughter of Juan Ibarra Fabela (deceased) and Maria Jesus Fabela (deceased), from a family of 15 children - devoted and loving sister of Maria Espino, Guadalupe Orr, John Ysidoro Fabela (deceased), Ofelia Vallejo, Angel Fabela, Olga Pegueros (deceased), Mary Ruth Guest, Daniel Fabela (deceased), Priscilla Roberson, Abel Fabela, Edward Fabela, Alfred Fabela, Carolina Loza and Luis Fabela. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and great niece and goddaughter Leanna Reyes. Barbara was a first generation San Franciscan who was exceptionally devoted to her family, her church, her friends and nature. A long tenured employee of Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. (awarded Telephone Pioneer Of The Year), she was also 'Sunshine Lady' at Girls Camp, devoted volunteer, visiting home teacher, tutor and artist. She will be dearly missed by all. Family and friends are invited on Saturday December 8, 2012 at 11:00am at the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1900 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, California.
Barbara Y. Fabela
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Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Fabela
Sponsored by Deborah Baker-Reyes.
Deborah Baker-Reyes
November 28, 2019
Thinking of Auntie Bee (especially so) during Thanksgiving - one of her many favorite holidays... I loved sweet Carolines recent message. Thank you to all for continuing to share your loving thoughts and memories. I love you and I miss you Aunt Barbara... ❤❤
caroline pegueros
November 25, 2019
Auntie Barbara,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You were so very special to me and I loved it when I got to spend time with you. I always looked forward to you visiting with us in Milpitas and living with us someday!.
We laughed, we cried and you always made me feel so special. You will always have my heart and I know you are having a beautiful time in Heaven with the family and please give my Mom a big hug for me too.
My Mom loved you so very very much and I know I'm missing some of the most important people in my life.
Much Love Auntie B.
Love, Caroline
March 24, 2018
Thinking of you Auntie B. Always in my thoughts and dreams.
So many fun times and laughter with you. You are very much missed and I know you and my Mom are playing Skip Bo game. Much love and always in my heart. xoxo
Caroline
January 3, 2017
Thank you nephew Billy Guest for Auntie Barbara's Eulogy!!!
Angel Fabela
January 22, 2016
Dearest sister, you are always in our thoughts and prayers, God bless you.
Nancy Rasmussen
July 14, 2014
I got online today to look up my very first best friend in the Church. When I walked into the San Francisco Student Branch Sacrament Meeting in February 1975 as an investigator, I wore my very best pant suit. I soon realized that my attire was not the standard, but Barbara greeted me with her endearing personality and we quickly realized we were "kindred spirits."
We enjoyed putting Sunday dinners together, and watching Conference with our brothers and sisters from the Branch. She was an inspiring example for me, and continually shared her testimony of the Savior's atonement. The way she put it, "When I sin, I feel like I am adding to his pain." As a new convert I was "full of the spirit" and was like a sponge soaking in all the knowledge and spirituality I could get. Then in August of that year, I was off to BYU. Then in November 1976, I left for Moscow, Idaho and got married; wrote and phoned once in a great while, until we lost touch, until today. I am 64 now, and was just remembering at a baptism I attended on Saturday, that she and I agreed we could be plural wives together if we were ever asked to live that law. Since I am now single, and she is already "there," I hope she remembers me and when the time comes, she welcomes me into her eternal family. Adios para ahora, mi hita.
Beverly Hoppe
February 3, 2014
it is wonderful to read these memories of Barbara. I already posted memories of Barbara shortly after her passing. However, I am also remembering her now over 1 year since her death. I knew her her since1965 when she joined the LDS Church.we were friends for many years in San Francisco as well as her 3 semesters at BYU. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Christy Cabal Graham
February 2, 2014
I was soooo sad to hear of Barbara's passing ... I stayed with her in the late 70's when she lived on Jackson. She used to take me to her Mom's house on Geneva a lot. I was only a teenager at the time. I am sooo sorry we lost touch with each other..Love you, Barb...
Northern California Sunrise (Amanecer Ardiente), dedicated to Barbara by Stuart G.G. Warner W.
Stuart G.R. Warner W.
January 18, 2014
Northern California Sunrise (Amanecer Ardiente), dedicated to Barbara by Stuart G.R. Warner W.
Stuart G.R. Warner W.
January 18, 2014
I just returned from a three-week trip to discover that my Christmas card to you was returned with an address in Pittsburg, so I looked up your new telephone number to only learn from your brother that you have left us! Barbara, you were such an inspiration to all of us. I remember you always doing what is right, whether it was politically correct or not, you always approached matters in a prayfull manner to decide how to solve issues. We met 32-years ago and we had such fun times together! I remember going with a Church group to go horseback riding in Pt. Reyes and your horse kept dropping to his knees to try to get you off ... so I traded horses with you and then you had a nice ride! We bought bicycles together at the Marina Cyclery and we went on some lovely rides together in the Golden Gate Park. You did such a good job in decorating your lovely flat on Clay Street and I remember your immense pride in showcasing your basket collection from the Phillipines, and the other treasures you bought in Mexico. You always put others first in support of the adage that the only way to find true happiness is to lose yourself in the good works of others! I remember visiting your mother out on Geneva, and fun times we had when visiting sister Priscilla ... and her beautiful daughters Debby and her lovely sister! Barbara, I remember the honorable moments when you could have easily taken offense when someone overlooked you, that you would respond by marching on and you continually mustered the strength to "give-to-give" and not "give-to-get!" I remember the excitement you showed when you had an occasional date, but you never found a partner who was worthy of the level to which you set your values. And I know that you are among those who are truly blessed because you never gave up your hope and you always led your life according to your principles, your faith, and your convictions! The truth is that we are all better people because of the wonderful spirit you shared with us. You understood the principle of living life to the fullest and of the love of continual growth and learning. You were stedfast in you beliefs and your beaming smile was always very comforting! My dear friend, you are an amazing sister and I am comforted by the fact that you are now in heaven with your dear mother and relatives and friends. And I am sure that God is most pleased with the way you lived your family life, professional life, and church life! For selfish reasons, I only wish you were still here so I could still talk with you on occasions when I am in the United States. I am also very proud that you were so proud of your heritage and that we were able to communicate in Spanish. Being from Panama, I was so happy when I learned that you were able to speak Spanish! In summary, you always saw the big picture and that's how you easily overcame little setbacks that you sometimes faced, because you had a better take than we did of the total context! May God continue to richly bless you and all of your loved ones, as you empower yourself, embrace your new mission, and embark on your new challenges. Con mucho cariño, Stuart G.R. Warner W.
I love you, now and always...
Leanna Reyes
November 26, 2013
Dear Auntie Barbara,
One year ago today, your worldly journey ended and you began your journey to the Celestial Kingdom, to rejoin our Heavenly Father in an Eternal Life. While my heart felt broken, I knew that there must be something greater than this world for people like you. You touched every life you encountered, whether it was a lifelong friend, sibling, or a stranger on the street. You taught me what unconditional love was. I feel so lucky to have had you in my life for as long as I did, and there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of you and miss you. I love you with my whole heart. You were more than an aunt; you were my godmother, my spiritual advisor, and one of my best friends.
Yours,
Leanna
“You are loved by your Father in Heaven, of whose divine nature you have partaken. And He desires that His Holy Spirit will be near you wherever you go if you will invite it and cultivate it.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley
We love you and we miss you!
Priscilla Roberson
November 24, 2013
Remembering Barbara Yolanda Fabela,
It's been one year dear sister, and I miss you a lot. From your loving Fabela family. I love you always. Rest in Peace. Your sister, Priscilla XOXO
With Much Love
Deborah Baker-Reyes
November 15, 2013
Aunt 'Bee',
As 11/26/2013 approaches (marking the one year anniversary of your passing); we reflect back on your sweet spirit, your loveliness, your kindness and your spirituality... We will recall your fondness for the holidays as well as your affinity for family and community - and we will continue to miss you so...
With love and admiration, Deborah
Douglas Flegal
January 2, 2013
Just learned of Barbara's passing. Even though I haven't seen her in 30 years while at the SF Student Ward, she will always remain in fond membory of a great, fun lady. She gave the best hugs in the world.
Angel Fabela
December 13, 2012
Barbara seemed to always have that beautiful smile, and a powerful and positive attatude to go with it , I admired her for that.gonna miss her. Pray for us. Barb..
Paula Draney
December 11, 2012
I moved to San Francisco in 2001 and met Barbara through the Singles Ward. Our friendship became and long and lasting one. She and I did so much. Everyweek we went to the Temple. She came over to my home and was always planting flowers, we went to dinner on the weekends. We cooked dinner for the singles all the time. We even took a couple trips together and spent many hours shopping (our favorite thing to do). We would play cards well into the night. She loved scrapbookking and helped me with the Primary Girls doing them a scrap book. We made quilts for the girls, dresses, Temple books. Barbara was such a help to me and she liked to do the things I liked. I'll never forget all our Woodside Conferences we went to. As I would go and pick up Barbara, she would bring everything in her house (except the sink). I always wonder would I get all that stuff in my car. When I heard about Barbara, I cried and cried. Just 3 weeks before she passed she sent me an coupon for Dessert Book. She wanted me to get the book "What's on the other side". I know she didn't know she would be going there soon, but that book has given me a lot of peace to know where she is. She always told me she was going to marry a man like Moroni, and I'm sure the Lord has a special person for Barbara. I know she will make the Celestrial Kingdom. She will be happy there. It will only be a short time until we are all together again. I will always have a memory of her and our good times. I will miss my great friend.
December 9, 2012
I have fond memories of vivacious and talented Barbara. We had great talks as I drove her to her home in what seemed like Outer Mission, but was shortened by the fun conversations. She was fiercely loyal to her wonderful family and faithful to her beliefs and standards. Warmly, Marcia Fromm Dow
Cheryl and Jerry Skagfjord
December 8, 2012
Just learned of Barbara's passing.She was a beloved room-mate and friend during our college years in San Francisco. "Mama Moose" kept our young adult family home evening group grounded and gave us many fond memories. Our prayers go out to her family at this time.
Lisa Armstrong
December 7, 2012
From Las Brisas, Acapulco and the pyramids outside Mexico CIty, to swamp grass fights at Liberty Park and quiet patio lunches in Park City, we shared good times and laughed often. Women's conference, your home cooked Mexican dinners, Fast Sunday phone calls and occasional visits -- I treasure the memories. I have come to pay my respects, dear friend. Please know this: you didn't need another sister, but I am so blessed that you were mine. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard -- still makes me smile! Hugs and love, Lisa
Bev Hoppe
December 7, 2012
Dear Fabela Family,
How do I summarize almost 50 years of friendship? I remember so many fun experiences with Barbara at church activities, BYU, and just doing things as friends. It's been a few years since I last saw her but she was one of the most vibrant, talented, and creative people I've known. Very dedicated church worker and devoted auntie to so many nieces and nephews. Our loss is heaven's gain. Love, Bev Hoppe
Andrew Fabela-Serrano
December 7, 2012
It is only through death that we can once again receive Eternal Life..Bless Auntie B. as she enters her Father's Kingdom.
Robert and Larrie Tebbs
December 7, 2012
Robert and I are so very sad to hear of the passing of Barbara. We attend Skyline Singles Ward San Francisco CA West Stake together ten years ago. She was fun, cheerful and very friendly person with sweet spirit. She will be greatly missed! Our sincere Prayers and Thoughts are with you.
December 7, 2012
That picture looks just like the last time I saw her at least ten years ago when working at PacBell. I remember her "style" -- sorry about her passing.
Nell Mays
December 6, 2012
Auntie Barbara I miss you and know your in Heaven with my Mom and family. Hugs and Kisses to you. XOXOX Always your Niece, Caroline
December 6, 2012
I only met Barbara once at our Stake Center in San Bruno. She seemed very friendly...I went to school with her sister Lupe. I am so sorry for the families loss of such a sweet spirit.
Warmly, Grace Ciolino Fosson
December 6, 2012
My sincere sympathy for Barbara and the family. I knew Barbara from the neighborhood and Balboa. I was a classmate of Al's. My prayers are with you.
Laura (Baskett) Rossi
Larry Richards
December 6, 2012
The wonderful Fabela family has lost a fine sister. I grew up in the Outer Mission and always admired the courage, friendliness and faith of the Fabelas. I ask Our Heavenly Father's peace and blessings on the Fabelas. A great tempoarary loss. We shall all be united again in Heaven.
Olivetta Chavez
December 6, 2012
I was so stunned and sorry to read of Barbara's passing. I hope Thanksgiving was wonderful for the family. We were in the singles ward and Barbara was a light and always smiling it seemed. My condolences to the family.
Margaret E. (Campbell) Bates
December 5, 2012
I have known Barbara since our days together at Lowell, and as fellow members of the Golden Gate Ward. She was so filled with the joy of life, that it is difficult to think that she is now gone. She will light up the spirit world with her smile and will be missed here on earth. Good-bye, for now, old friend.
Alice Coltharp Dean
December 5, 2012
I remember her so well. Recently I even found some of the handouts she gave us during camp and I am going to use them with my friends. I am grateful to her positive outlook and beautiful smile! She will be a welcomed addition in heaven and will look forward to meeting up with her again. Thanks Sister "Sunshine Lady!"
susan roberts (banks)
December 5, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family now. I remember Barbara from our many years together at girls Camp. she really was a unique and special spirit. ours prayers we send.
Doug Lee
December 5, 2012
Dear Fabela Family
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Barbara. She was a very sweet person, and Friend, and will be greatly missed! My sincere Prayers and Thoughts are with you,
Kind Regards,
Doug Lee
Blaine Stoddard
December 5, 2012
I got to know Barbara one on one, and as member of Golden Gate Ward. She did thoughtful Christlike things. She gave me pencils and crayons to give to needy children when I went on vacation to Thailand. I wish she could see the smiles she put on their faces. I am saddened by her passing, yet know that her happiness will carry on into the Spirit world. She will be greatly missed by many.
Joyce Garabedian August
December 5, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. I remember her well from our days at Lowell. She was lovely and my heart goes our to her family. RIP Barbara :((
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