Barbara Ann Corfee

1931 - 2025

Barbara Ann Corfee passed away peacefully on August 3 at the age of 94 in Napa, California. Born on May 10, 1931, in Colusa, California, she was the cherished daughter of Ruby and John Bailey and one of six siblings.

Barbara spent her early years in Northern California's Sacramento Valley, where she developed a deep appreciation for family, nature, and community. Her childhood was filled with joyful moments swimming in the canal, gardening with her mother, and singing with her siblings. She began her education alongside her mother Ruby, a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Her father John also devoted his life to teaching, including two decades at Folsom Prison.

In 1954, Barbara married Allen W. Corfee. Their loving partnership spanned over 64 years until Allen's passing in 2018. Together they raised four children and built a home grounded in love and strong values in Sacramento and later El Macero. In 2016, they moved to the Veterans Administration Home of California in Yountville, where they forged meaningful friendships with fellow residents and staff and found compassionate care, which added years of happiness to their lives.

Barbara's vibrant spirit touched all who knew her. She was known for her strength, humor, wisdom, and generous heart. Barbara embraced life fully, living her passions to the end:

- She was an avid painter: her works reveal a vivid imagination and a unique way of "seeing" the world. Working from the VA home's creative arts center, she inspired those around her to express their own creativity.

- She was a sharp card player: whether it be gin, poker, bridge or cribbage (her latest game) she liked to win and quite often did. Her ability to think strategically and count cards shone through. She was the best in the family.

- She loved flowers and gardening: this she practiced at the VA home with the help of her loving family and a beautiful garden plot. All the family benefited from Barbara's flower advice.

- She enjoyed sports and music: She played and later enthusiastically followed golf, was a SF Giants fan and cheered on other local teams. She sang enthusiastically in chapel and joined the drumming circle of music-makers at the VA home.

She is survived by her children Bartley Corfee (Toni Sova), Jan Corfee-Morlot, Karin Corfee, and Daniel Corfee (Alison Donald); nine grandchildren: Katelyn and Brenden Corfee (Bart & Toni); Martin (Polona Barber) and Emilie Morlot (Jan & Jean Louis); Kirstin, Julia (Scott Lyman) and Ryan (Diana Gilmore) Auker (Karin Corfee & Todd Auker); Ben (Jen Ohlson) and Elizabeth Corfee (Dan & Alison); and four great grandchildren (with a fifth on the way); and her sister Donna Sandretto.

A group remembrance service will be held on September 18 at the Chapel in the Yountville Veterans Home. A private service will be held later. Donations may be made in Barbara's name to the Tug McGraw Foundation (https://www.tugmcgraw.org/).

Barbara's legacy of love, resilience, and joy will live on through all who knew her.