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BARBARA MOLINI Obituary

Barbara Symonds Molini Barbara Ann Symonds Molini, aged 70, died with her family by her side on Wednesday, April 11th, 2012. Barbara was born in San Francisco on December 15th, 1941 to Margaret and Percy Symonds. She spent her childhood in San Francisco and South San Francisco with her three sisters. She was a 1959 graduate of South San Francisco High where she had been an honor student and an active member of the student body. Barbara went on to graduate summa cum laude from San Francisco State University, earning a degree in Education. Upon graduation, she began her teaching career in San Carlos and married Robert Molini in 1965. Along with their daughter, Jennifer, they moved to Kelseyville, CA in the early 70s. Their second child, Justin, was born in 1977. A devoted educator for over 35 years, Barbara taught for the Konocti Unified School District at Lower Lake Jr High and Oak Hill Middle School, specializing in the subjects of English, Art and History. Shaping minds and inspiring the youth of Lake County was truly her calling. During her extensive career, she also served as a mentor to fellow teachers, assisted in various educational programs and was named the 1995 Outstanding Educator for the California League of Middle Schools and the KUSD District Teacher of the Year for 1997-98 . A life long supporter of the arts, Barbara maintained season tickets for the theater, enjoyed attending the ballet and a variety of concerts, and spent many hours visiting museums. An avid photographer herself, she captured many moments in time, chronicling the events and people that brought such joy to her life, including her extensive travels across the globe. Barbara leaves behind a wealth of friends and family. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Justin Molini. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Molini of New York; granddaughter Cottie Hanson-Molini of Castro Valley; sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Mike Granahan of Montara, sister Marcy Battaglia of San Jose, sister Karen Shawhan of Texas; and her extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Mission Hospice, San Mateo or Hospice of Lake County.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22, 2012.

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Patricia Janakes

April 16, 2021

The South San Francisco Class of 1959 is going to enjoy another class reunion on July 17, 2021 and Barbara is going to be missed so much. Barbara was always involved in the planning of every reunion and it won't be the same without her smile and warmth and hugs (even Covid air hugs!). Her spirit will be felt. I think of Barbara so often that it surprises me, as I don't think of other friends and classmates who have passed anywhere near as often as I do of her. She was a force of grace and beauty and loving attention to friends and family. She is missed.

Jackie Day

April 15, 2020

BARBARA is still missed to this day! She was a wonderful person and a good friend.♥

Pat Janakes (McKowan)

April 15, 2019

I miss Barbara. I didnt even realize when she passed how much more of an impact her passing would have. I only moved up here to Clear Lake a little more than 5 years before she left us. We missed 43 years between high school graduation in South San Francisco (Class of 1959) and building our home in late 2006, except for our every 5 year reunions, when wed catch up. I would have spent more time with her soaking up her grasp on living well and giving back had anyone had a clue how young she would go. I miss you Barbara. Sending heavenly hugs.

May 14, 2012

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held on May 27 from 2:00-5:00 at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. The address for the Center is
50 Mark West Springs Road.

May 12, 2012

I knew Barabara for many many years. Our sons played Little League together and went all through school together in Konocti School District. Barbara was always a positive and welcome addition to many many nights sitting on baseball bleachers together as our sons, Jason and Justin played on the team my husband coached. Barbara was a teacher to all 3 of my kids during the 1980's and early 1990's. She will be missed by many in all of Lake County. My most sincere condolenses to the family. Marty Bardelmeier, Upper Lake, CA

May 7, 2012

I was deeply saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. She was one of this areas finest teachers. Her legacy will live on with all the children that were fortunate to have had her for a teacher. Candy Crow

Janis Hiatt Hassler

May 5, 2012

Barbara and I went to High School together. I had the privilage to see her in Kelseyville a couple years ago. She was a special lady and lived her life giving to others with her many talents

May 4, 2012

Having related lives through decades we are diminished by your passing. We hope you find what pleases you in the beyond.

Bob and Mary Schossler

brian mcbride

May 3, 2012

I never had ms molini as a teacher but i remember her from oak hill middle school may she rest in peace

Sharon Matzinger

May 1, 2012

What a wonderful lady! I met Barbara through my late husband, Jim Matzinger, who used to teach with her. She was open and warm and funny from the first moment. Barbara modeled the fine art of living life to the fullest.

With great love,

Sunny Gardner

April 30, 2012

I feel so honored to have known Barbara. She was an amazing woman. Her hugs and words of wisdom will be missed the most.... You will never be forgotten!!!!

Anita Gordon

April 29, 2012

Barbara touched so many, many lives including mine. She leaves a very special legacy in our community for having made a difference.

Stella Burton

April 29, 2012

She was a wonderful, caring woman who graced us with knowledge.

Ed Pariani

April 28, 2012

Barbara and I first met in the 7th grade at Spruce Jr. High in South San Francisco,CA. We have been friends ever since.She was always one I could talk to and she aways shared her travel experiences with me. She stayed with me and my wife for three days last August in Eagle Point,Or.Barbara was known for taking an abundance of pictures.She found beauty in all things and recorded them in pictures.I truly lost one of the best friends one could ever have.

cassie sterrett

April 28, 2012

ms molini was one of my most memorable,and inspiring teachers.she encouraged me to try harder .she knew there was more in all her students and worked to bring it out..she treated us like the people she knew we could be.i am grateful to have know her.

Melinda Leister

April 28, 2012

Truly a wonderful educator and person! The world suffers when someone like her leaves us. We will miss you.

Ladina Hammes Williams

April 28, 2012

Truly a loss to our community! She was so passionate about teaching and made learning fun. I was able to have her as a teacher at Lower Lake Jr. High in 84' then as an adult; I was able to work within the same district. Everyone who knew her loved her.

Heather Hardin

April 28, 2012

So blessed to have had such a caring, loving teacher. Teach art to the angels...

Jennifer White

April 28, 2012

You were one of the most compassionate teachers and mentor! Thank you for being an inspiration to so many! xoxo rest in peace...

Karen Lambert

April 27, 2012

Just thinking of the loss brings tears to my eyes. Barbara was truly an inspirational person, friend and teacher. I always enjoyed our conversations after school and later when we'd both retired. Her worldly travels made such interesting reading, wonderful pictures to look at and great stories! She will be missed by many. Always in the light!

Mary Massingill

April 27, 2012

She was my children's teacher and she brought the best out in them and I still have an angel she gave me in my room - I pray God brings comfort to her family & friends - love Mary

Fran Ransley

April 27, 2012

It takes a very special sort of person to teach Middle School and love the students as Barbara did. She was truly gifted and made a big difference in so many kids' lives. I will miss that kind and knowing smile, with just a hint at mischief. Her fairness, honesty and sense of humor were among her finest qualities.

Marion Kaiser

April 26, 2012

Barbara taught both my boys at Oak Hill Middle School. She was a teacher whom I respected greatly, and I remember her kindness. I wish that I had known her better.

Amber Sims

April 26, 2012

Ms. Molini will forever be in my memories, I'll never forget her kind and caring words when my mom had cancer and I was having a rough time in school. She shaped many lives in Lake County and she will never be forgotten.

Crystal Williams

April 26, 2012

She was one of my favorite teachers, even though I never had a class with her. She was always so inspiring. She will be missed.

Justin Zuiderweg

April 26, 2012

Barbara I remember 1st meeting you in Art Class at Oak Hill Middle School & loving your class!! I got to become friends with your son Justin (RIP!) thru our years of school as well! I reconnected with you thru Facebook later in life. Your comments to me & my son Trent were so touching for this single dad!!!! I always loved chatting via this cyber world with you & enjoying life together thru it! I will NEVER forget you & you'll ALWAYS been in my heart FOREVER!! Xoxoxoxoxo

Jennifer Theuerkauf

April 26, 2012

I love you Barb. Although, I would love to honor you by composing an elloquent tribute, words can never express how much you mean to me. Three people were beacons of light during some of my darkest days and you were one of them. You are one of the most influencial people in my life and one of the few who worked so hard to help me overcome anything that was laid before me. I'm so honored to have known you and I miss you dearly.

My love to Jennifer and Cottie.

Venus Airo

April 25, 2012

Rest in Peace XOXOXO

Patricia Janakes

April 24, 2012

Barbara and I met in junior high school (1953/1954). After high school, we only saw each other at class reunions where I learned that she moved up to Clear Lake many years ago. When we built our house in Clear Lake Riviera, Barbara became my "guide", generously introducing me to her friends, her favorite restaurants, cleaners, doctors, etc. We went to the movies and dinner nearly every week since I moved here more than four years ago. Barbara was such a genuine friend, who cared about each and every person she knew. I will miss her beautiful spirit.

Jackie & Dennis day

April 24, 2012

Barbara was a dear friend. We traveled together, laughed
together, and cried together. We truly enjoyed each other.
She will be missed. She is a bright star in Heaven. Our
loss is Heaven's gain.

Steve Thunen

April 23, 2012

Barbara Molini was my 7th grade English teacher in the 80's. She was the first teacher at any level who truly challenged me. She taught me the value of working to one's potential rather than merely doing enough to get a certain grade. She did this by caring enough to accept nothing less than our best. For that, I am forever grateful. I still draw upon this lesson even today. She made a difference in my life. I'm certain that things would have turned out differently had I not known her.

Today I am both sorry we have lost her and yet feel blessed to have known her.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

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