Barbara Haire Calcagno

In Loving Memory of Barbara Haire Calcagno.

Barbara Haire Calcagno passed away on August 14, 2025 in Albany, California. Born in Stockton, California on August 29, 1930, she was the eldest daughter of Mary Quattrone Haire and Stuart Charles Haire, from whom she inherited her resilience, humor and candid spirit.

Barbara was raised in Stockton and attended St. Mary's High School before earning her bachelor's degree in education, with a minor in fashion design, from the College of the Pacific (now the University of the Pacific) in 1952. A proud member of the Alpha Theta Tau sorority, she had the honor of representing San Joaquin County on a float in the 1951 Rose Bowl Parade. In 1951, she married Ray Calcagno, beginning their 54-year journey grounded in love and family.

Barbara embodied strength, sharp intellect, and independence. For over 30 years, she served as the bookkeeper for Calcagno Ranches, playing an integral role in the family's farming operations. A true Renaissance woman, she painted walls, hung wallpaper, played piano, and stayed active with racquetball and golf. She swam with unhesitant joy in both the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe and the warm waves of Hawaii. She was a gifted seamstress, who fashioned costumes and dresses for herself and her daughters. Barbara was also a Master bridge player-often found at the Stockton Golf and Country Club, where she was a familiar and formidable opponent.

Barbara had a brilliant and curious mind, and she began each day with the news. The sports section was a favorite, serving as a springboard for lively conversations with her grandchildren about "her" 49ers, professional golf, and the broader world of sports. She pored over the Stockton Record, Wall Street Journal, and San Francisco Chronicle, thoughtfully clipping articles and coupons to share. It was not unusual for family and friends to receive thick envelopes in the mail-each filled with a letter, news clippings, and hand-picked coupons.

A talented cook and gracious hostess, Barbara turned every holiday into a grand Italian celebration-tables laden with platters of antipasti, ravioli, carciofi, cardone, and focaccia. She delighted in sharing her signature treats-peanut butter Rice Krispies cookies, rich fudge, and delicate divinity-often mailing boxes of goodies to family and friends. Her home was always open, her table ever welcoming, and her generous spirit felt by all who gathered around it.

Barbara's heart was rooted firmly in her family. She and Ray raised their daughters in a home filled with warmth, open doors, and holiday "fizz" parties-where everyone was sure to be well-fed and hydrated. She welcomed her children's friends as her own, hosting weekly sleepovers, and unforgettable family adventures to Hawaii and Lake Tahoe-the same shores where she and Ray spent their honeymoon. She was a regular at the In-N-Out drive-through with her dog, George, who never missed out on his hamburger patty! In later years, Barbara made countless trips to the Bay Area to babysit her five grandchildren, pouring her love and energy into their lives. Barbara was true to herself, and her opinionated advice-often unsolicited but always heartfelt and genuine -came with wisdom, practicality, and unconditional love.

In later years, Barbara moved to a senior living community near her daughters, where she found new friendships, unwavering care, and was fondly known as 'the pistol'. We are deeply grateful to the compassionate staff and PALs of Belmont Village, her devoted caregivers who became her second family, and the team at Suncrest Hospice who eased her final days.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Lynette Calcagno Ley (Tom) of Orinda and Paula Calcagno O'Malley (Tim) of San Rafael; her grandchildren Maryel Ley (Tony Bedel), Garrett Ley (Kendall), Weston Ley, Shea O'Malley, and Connor O'Malley; her cherished great-granddaughters Emily Bedel, Viola Bedel, and Peyton Ley; her cousin Gary Cattrone (Dotty) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She now rejoins her husband of 54 years, Ray Calcagno, and her sister, Beverly Joyce Haire, who preceded her in death.

A private family gathering will be held on Barbara's 95th birthday, to honor and celebrate her remarkable life. In lieu of gifts, condolences may be sent to her family through Legacy.com.