Barbara Jean Willson-Marsinkavage

Barbara Jean Willson-Marsinkavage, passed away peacefully in her home, from complications of Multiple Sclerosis, July 7, 2025, at the age of 83.

A native of Yuba City, CA, she resided in Nevada City, CA, in her teens, and she then moved to the Santa Clara Valley, CA.

She graduated from Hayward State University with a BS in Education. Babara first taught in Bridgeport, CA, for 2 years.

She then became a civilian teacher for the US military in Kaiserslautern, Germany, for a year. Upon returning home, she taught in the Santa Clara Unified School District for 31 years.

Barbara was an avid genealogist and the author of one published book. She enjoyed reading, sewing, traveling, spending relaxing time in her condo at Lake Tahoe, solving crossword puzzles, and working on various art projects such as painting, weaving, crocheting, drawing.

In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed skiing and golf. For Barbara, her most prized activity was spending time with her immediate and extended family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Marsinkavage; father, Harold "Bus" Willson; mother, Mary "Marie" Alexander Willson Barnes; brothers, Dennis and William Willson; sister, Janet Willson Ramirez; and step-daughter Lynda Chandler.

Surviving are two daughters, Carla Bradburn, of MS, and April Sawtelle, of Milpitas, CA; stepdaughter, Michelle (Doug) Toland, of MA; stepson-in-law, Michael Chandler, of WA; two grandsons, Cole Gerome, of Denver, CO, and Brett Gerome, of MS; two sisters, Charlotte Willson, of San Jose, CA, and Rebecca (Gary) Willson Bovee, of Red Bluff, CA; two brothers, Robert (Chris) Tannehill and Danny (Dotty) Tannehill, of Proberta, CA; aunt, Alma Alexander, of Yuba City, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Elisabeci Nayacatabu, for her devoted care and friendship to Barbara for the past 6 years.

A Rosary will take place at Ullrey's Memorial Chapel in Yuba City, CA, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6 PM. There will be a visitation preceding the Rosary from 4 PM to 6 PM.

Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colusa, CA, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Barbara's last wishes that you plant a tree or rose bush and remember to live happily.