Barbara Okada

1947-2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara Lou Okada who departed from our world on March 31, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada with her daughters by her side. Barbara, affectionately known as Barbi or Bobbi Lou to her closest friends and family, was born on May 2, 1947, to Bill and Marguerite Maki. Barbara brought warmth, laughter, and love to all who knew her.She was born and grew up in Sacramento, California and graduated from high school before embarking on a life rich with experiences and connections. She married the love of her life, Toshio Okada, and together they raised a family rooted in compassion, humor, and love. Wherever she called home, her presence was a blessing.
Barbara held many roles throughout her life, but she was best remembered for her time working in Mary Kay, as a nursing aide, and in a bakery at a local grocery store-roles that reflected her warm heart, gentle spirit, and deep love for people. Working as a nursing aide required immense compassion, patience, and kindness-all of which came naturally to her. She treated every person in her care with the dignity and the attention they deserved, often going above and beyond to bring comfort to others during vulnerable moments. In her time with Mary Kay, she brought joy and confidence to others, sharing beauty and positivity with a generous heart. And in the bakery, where her smile was as comforting as the scent of fresh bread, Barbara's nurturing spirit truly shined. No matter the job, her kindness, generosity, and ability to make people feel seen and cared for left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Her hobbies spoke to the simple joys she found in life-watching her favorite shows like My Wife and Kids, The Masked Singer, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Andy Griffith Show, America's Got Talent, Family Feud, and just about anything on the Hallmark Channel, especially Christmas movies. She also loved crocheting blankets for anyone and everyone who wanted one-a true labor of love that wrapped her family and friends in warmth and care. Her home was always filled with the comfort of familiar stories, handmade creations, and the joy of the holidays.
Barbara's life was grounded in her Christian faith and defined by her selfless love for others. She was compassionate, empathetic, funny, generous, loving, and thoughtful. What mattered most to her was checking in on her loved ones and making sure they always knew how deeply she cared and how much they were loved. Her heart was never too full to make room for someone else.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Sue Colon and Sally Okada; her son-in-law, Steven Ormord; her adoring grandchildren; Jessica Colon, Austin Ormord, Tyler Ormord, Sara Okada, and Kayla Ormord; and her adoptive son, Gerome Brown. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bill and Marguertie Maki; her husband Toshio Okada; and her granddaughter Magdalena Colon.
Barbara's love, laughter, and legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to warm our hearts-just like one of her handmade blankets, wrapped around us with love. And in the quiet moments, we'll still hear her gentle voice saying, "Okay, you be good"-a reminder of her care that will echo in our hearts for eternity.