Barbara Esther Fanucchi

Barbara Esther Fanucchi entered into the peace of Heaven June 2, 2022 with her family by her side.  Barbara was born in Bakersfield on October 14, 1927 to Enrico and Anna Grassotti.  She graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1945. 

While her true love, Eugene, served in the army during the US Occupation of WWII, Barbara worked for a family friend at their Italian Restaurant, later as a salesperson for Sears, and enjoyed working as a secretary for Leo B Hart, Superintendent of Schools.

Barbara and Eugene were married February 1, 1947 which was the beginning of a love story.  During this time they lived in Kern Lake and started building a family farming business which continues to this day. In July of 1948 they welcomed their first born Roy, followed by George (1952) and Jeanne (1954).  They lived there for 12 years before moving to “town” and building their home in Old Stockdale.  In 1963 they welcomed Lisa and the family was complete.  Many wonderful memories were made in this home but the best were made on Christmas Eve.  It was the times surrounded by family that they enjoyed the most. 

Barbara volunteered with the Mercy Hospital Women’s Auxiliary and the Guild House.  She was a lifelong member of the Italian Heritage Dante Association and the Italian Catholic Federation.  She bowled with her Cotton Belles Bowling team for over 40 years, well into her 80’s.  They may not have won many games, but they had the best time.

Barbara had many fun times with her sisters, Pat and Kathy.  Kathy always planned the trips for the sisters to be together and created wonderful memories, drinking wine at the condo in Pismo, gambling at the Indian casino, wherever they were, it was a fun time.  Barbara loved to shop and lunch with her best friend Elizabeth Pacciorini.

She and Eugene had some fun trips, cruising with Nancy and Guido, adventuring with Pat and Mark, and who can forget all the great summer trips to Santa Cruz with John and Delma, Vic and Shirley, Betty and Albert and all of their families. 

Barbara’s joy was truly her family.  She loved the visits from her “boys”, Roy (her strength) on Saturday mornings and George (her protector) on Sundays.  She looked forward to their chats each and every week making sure to feed them and listen to them as life took many turns.  She was the best friend to her daughters Jeanne (her tenderness) and Lisa (her compassion).  They called each other every day.  She was their anchor!  Their times together and love for each other was and always will be boundless. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, her parents, son-in-law Jim Patrick, loving daughter-in-law Jeanette Fanucchi, sister Patricia Tokash brother Leroy Grassotti.

Barbara is survived by her children, Roy Fanucchi, George Fanucchi, Jeanne (Bruce) Hamlin and Lisa (Ryon) de Pencier. Grandchildren Robert (Gina) Fanucchi, Stephen (Wendy) Fanucchi, Suzie (AJ) Antongiovanni, Chirstina (Christoffer) Joughin, Gino (Tiffany) Fanucchi, Jack (Sara) Harrison, Jeffrey (Courtney) Patrick, Ashley (Steven) Jelmini, Dominic (Stacie) de Pencier. Great Grandchildren, Antone, Marco and Nico Fanucchi, Vincent, Natalia, Gabriella Fanucchi, Jeanette, AP, Michelle Antongiovanni, Gianni Joughin, Kloe, Gia and Bettina Fanucchi, Jackson and Taylor Harrison, Luca, Amelia and Leo Jelmini and Vienna de Pencier.  Step granddaughter Aubrey (Tyler) Koitka, and step great granddaughter Eloise Koitka.

A rosary service will be celebrated on Thursday, June 16 at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Rd, Bakersfield CA.  Graveside services will follow at Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Ave, Bakersfield CA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Guild House, or the America Cancer Society.