Margaret Barberena

Mary Margaret Barberena was born on September 17, 1929, in Gardnerville, Nevada and passed away on July 11, 2024. She moved with her family to Semitropic, California in 1934 and to nearby Lost Hills in 1935. She graduated from Wasco Union High School in 1947. After graduation, she moved to Bakersfield and worked for the County of Kern in the Welfare Department for two and a half years and in the Personnel Department for forty years, retiring in 1992. 

Throughout many years she played the button accordion and harmonized with her sister, Alice. Her Catholic faith was important to her, and she took great pride in her Basque heritage, upholding the legacy of traditions. She enjoyed listening to accordion music, singing and dancing. Her favorite television shows were Lawrence Welk, Molly B. Polka Party, and any channel that featured sports or news. Margaret enjoyed playing tennis, softball, bowling, hunting, fishing, golfing, and gardening. She would create bouquets with her roses and sweet peas, sharing them with family, friends, and neighbors. She treasured time laughing with her family and numerous groups of friends. For years she called others and played, “Happy Birthday” on her harmonica, in addition to mailing a humorous card for every occasion.

 After retirement, she spent her time either talking on the telephone or celebrating with family and friends, primarily at Basque restaurants, Mexicali, and Bill Lee’s. She would bring a homemade cheeseball, wine, champagne, or a Marie Calendar’s pie to celebrations and distribute Sees’s candy, Dewar’s chews, and Smith’s Bakery goods to everyone. Frequently wearing unique pins and buttons, such as one with a “L” crossed out to describe Noel during Christmas, she also delighted in signing Christmas gifts as though they were from Santa. Margaret was known to spend hours completing crossword and word search puzzles, always saying it helped, “Keep m y brain sharp.” Vacations were spent with family at Pismo Beach, or partying with friends at Thanksgiving in Cayucos. She was an honorary member of the Kern County Basque Club (24 years), member of the Kern County Employees Retirement Association, American Legion Auxiliary, and Women of the Moose. 

 Known for her generosity, Margaret donated to numerous churches, clubs, organizations, and schools. Always quick to reach for a check or buy someone a drink, her kindness made a lasting impact. She will always be remembered for her smile, laughter, sense of humor, energy, enthusiasm, and her love of life, lived fully in her own way. Her laughter was a melody that resonated through the lives of her family and friends, creating a legacy of love and happiness that will live on long after her passing. Margaret will hold a special place in our hearts until we meet again. 

 Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Gregorio and Mary Barberena, brother Lucien, brother-in-law Pete Ansolabehere, nephew Peter Ansolabehere, numerous relatives and friends. She is survived by her sister Alice Ansolabehere, nieces Elaine Sullivan (Pat) and Renee Frank (Bob). Margaret had four grandnieces and grandnephews whom she cherished. Janae Blalock (Jimmy), Allison Lym (Dylan), Sean Frank (Randi), Bryan Sullivan (fiancé Laura), four great grandnieces and grandnephews Sloane and Beau Frank, Josie and June Blalock, and Olivia Lym. Several family and friends survive her. 

 The family would like to extend a special thank you for the compassionate care and support to the staff at Magnolia Place and Hoffman Hospice. Per Margaret’s request, there will be no viewing. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be the morning of Wednesday, July 31, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield. A funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be John Erreca, Phillip Esnoz, Sean Frank, Paul Hardoin, Joaquin Mendiara, and Bryan Sullivan. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Cerri, Joe Coscarart, Larry Errea, Larry Espinosa, and Jim Sakowski. Interment to follow at the Historic Union Cemetery, 730 Potomac Avenue, Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kern County Basque Club, Hoffman Hospice, or to a charity of your choice.