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BORN
1948
DIED
2024
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Barbara Serrano Obituary
April 13, 1948 - December 27, 2024
Sacramento, California - Barbara Genevieve Serrano passed away at home with her family beside her on December 27, 2024 at the age of 76 years old while bravely battling pancreatic cancer.
Barbara was a Sacramento native and married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Serrano. She graduated from Sacramento High School after attending Holy Angels Catholic elementary school. She was proud to work for Weinstock's Department Store from when she was 18 years old until the store closed its doors in 1991. Barbara retired from the Sacramento County District Attorney Office in 2013, and loved the people she worked with and her daily walks to Macy's during her lunch hour.
Barbara's smile was beautiful and her laugh was contagious. She could light up a room and made you feel as if you were the only one she was listening to, always cheering you on and encouraging you with her kindness and enthusiasm. Her proudest accomplishments were being married to Ronald for 56 years and building their beautiful family together.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Ronald; her daughters, Tiza Serrano Thompson (Tom who was her son more than an "in-law"), Ronne Raz Serrano and her adored grandson, Easton Serrano and her adored granddaughter, Caylie Thompson. She loved and is survived by her nieces Kristi Matsunami (Craig Wentz); Deserie Serrano; Shannon Serrano Berry (Curtis) and Gina Serrano, and her nephews Paul Serrano (Nicole); Damien Matsunami (Kathy) and Robert Serrano.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved in-laws, Dora Gonzales Serrano Mejia and Paul Mejia; her sister Amelia "Amie" (Matsunami) Molina and her brothers-in-law Louis and Howard Serrano and Richard Matsunami.
Services will be held on Monday January 13, 2025 at St. Mary's Cemetery and Funeral Center at 6509 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento and include a visitation at 9:00 a.m. and a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. in the reception room and courtyard at St. Mary's Cemetery and Funeral Center.
Internment of ashes will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Serrano
Sponsored by Sacbee.com.
Judy Dias Allen
January 13, 2025
Barbara and I went to Holy Angels school and so happy to say we kept in touch with some of our other classmates going to lunch a few times a year. She was a little spitfire that I never saw mad. She will be greatly missed. My prayers to her family and my apologies for not making it to the services due to my health. RIP Barbara
Terry Hopper LeMaire
January 13, 2025
My condolences to Barbara's family. I knew Barbara from St. Joseph's HS and would see her also at All Hallows Crab feeds. Always a sweet and friendly girl. Sad news. RIP
Suzanne Carroll
January 13, 2025
Barbara,
As I sit down to write this, I can´t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and admiration for you, my beautiful cousin and godmother. You have always been such a remarkable presence in my life, and I have genuinely loved and admired you for as long as I can remember.
I often reflect on your incredible ability to juggle a full-time job while still creating delicious meals at home. I cherish the memories of the time you took to teach me how to make a mouthwatering pot roast and the holiday cookies that were nothing short of magical. Your baking skills could have easily made a name for themselves on social media, with the likes of Mrs. Fields and Famous Amos taking notice. I was fortunate enough to witness your culinary magic firsthand.
Thinking back on your days, I´m in awe of how seamlessly you handled it all. You would end the day by giving Tiza and Ronne their evening baths. I still remember how you patiently taught me how to bathe a newborn-little Ronne was the lucky newborn. You made it all look so effortless as if your energy was boundless. I´ve always admired that strength and grace in you.
Beyond daily routines, you and your husband Ron ensured your daughters explored a world of opportunities, from dance lessons to sports, enriching their lives in so many ways. It was truly inspiring to see how you both made time to volunteer at their school, showing how deeply you care about your family and community.
One of my fondest memories is the Crab Feed, where good food and good people came together in the most joyous of celebrations. It´s hard to imagine life without those moments filled with laughter and connection.
Barbara, I want you to know how much I will miss you. Having you in my life has been a true blessing, and I am so proud to have called you my Godmother. Thank you for all the love, guidance, and inspiration you´ve given me over the years. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
With all my love,
Suzanne Liashenko Carroll
MARIA Valenzuela
January 13, 2025
Barbara you will be missed! I had the pleasure of working with Barbara at the DA's office. Her greatest joy was family especially the grandkids. We spent a lot of time sharing life's ups and downs, laughing and sometimes crying. My condolences to the family. Rest in Peace
Suzanne Liashenko
January 12, 2025
Barbara,
As I sit down to write this, I can´t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and admiration for you, my beautiful cousin and godmother. You have always been such a remarkable presence in my life, and I have genuinely loved and admired you for as long as I can remember.
I often reflect on your incredible ability to juggle a full-time job while still creating delicious meals at home. I cherish the memories of the time you took to teach me how to make a mouthwatering pot roast and the holiday cookies that were nothing short of magical. Your baking skills could have easily made a name for themselves on social media, with the likes of Mrs. Fields and Famous Amos taking notice. I was fortunate enough to witness your culinary magic firsthand.
Thinking back on your days, I´m in awe of how seamlessly you handled it all. You would end the day by giving Tiza and Ronne their evening baths. I still remember how you patiently taught me how to bathe a newborn-little Ronne was the lucky newborn. You made it all look so effortless as if your energy was boundless. I´ve always admired that strength and grace in you.
Beyond daily routines, you and your husband Ron ensured your daughters explored a world of opportunities, from dance lessons to sports, enriching their lives in so many ways. It was truly inspiring to see how you both made time to volunteer at their school, showing how deeply you care about your family and community.
One of my fondest memories is the Crab Feed, where good food and good people came together in the most joyous of celebrations. It´s hard to imagine life without those moments filled with laughter and connection.
Barbara, I want you to know how much I will miss you. Having you in my life has been a true blessing, and I am so proud to have called you my Godmother. Thank you for all the love, guidance, and inspiration you´ve given me over the years. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
With all my love,
Suzanne Liashenko Carroll (aka Juana Liashenko oldest daughter)
Betty Valle Lerwill
January 10, 2025
Oh our Little Barbara. I had the pleasure of hiring at the DAs office. Who could not fall of love with her big personality and that forever smile. She was always there for me and even my kids. My heart hurts so bad for her and the Serrano Family. They are her greatest joy! Please know Barbara will be forever loved and missed by so many. So happy I knew her! Love, Betty
Kathy Reyna
January 9, 2025
Barbara had a beautiful smile and a heart of gold, always making everyone feel welcomed. I´m so glad I got to visit you recently as you kept your sense of humor. I love you and will miss you greatly.
Your cousin, Kathy Reyna & family
Frances Viramontes
January 9, 2025
My beautiful cousin (inside and out), I will always remember your infectious laugh, smile and energy. You were always so gracious and it was always so easy to hold a conversation with you no matter how long it had been since we saw each other. You always made me smile and gave great advice. You will be missed my sweet cousin. RIP, keep dancing, smiling, laughing and sharing your beautiful spirit.
Danny
January 8, 2025
Always a smile and a good word. That picture is the epitome of Mrs. Serrano, Grandma Serrano, and Barbara!
Shannon and Curtis
January 7, 2025
I will always cherish the memories we made. Love you, rest in Paradise.
Ana Ramirez Palmer
January 7, 2025
Barbara and my mom, Josie Ramirez, were great friends and coworkers at Weinstocks. I met Barbara and her husband on several occasions and I could easily understand why my mom was so very fond of her. What a sweet, thoughtful, cheerful and good-hearted person! I reminded my mom that I had gone to school with her sister Amie at St. Joseph´s. Amie was another sweet and remarkable person just like Barbara. Although I never knew their parents, they, too, must have been extraordinary people of substance. How else could they have produced two remarkable daughters. My deepest condolences to the Serrano family.
Diane Richardson
January 7, 2025
Barbara and I went to high school together then worked at Weinstocks and finally worked at the District Attorney's Office. We always had fun together. She was a very dear friend. I will miss her alot. Especially calling her the day before Thanksgiving to discuss recipes. She will always be in our hearts.
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Memorial service
10:00 a.m.
St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820
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St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820
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