Barbara Dean Gerritsen

On December 6, 2012 Barbara Dean Gerritsen passed away peacefully at the age of 75 at UC Davis hospital in Sacramento, CA surrounded by family and friends. Barbara is survived by her son Steven, and her daughter Angela. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren and many other families she took care of. Barbara was born on May 19, 1937. That was the era of the Great Depression and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was in office. She grew up with her older sister Sandra, they were complete opposites but were best friends. She was married to John Gerritsen in her early 20's. With him, she was able to travel the United States by train. She was mainly a devoted housewife and mother who drove a snack truck called the Green Winnie to deliver snacks to her son's baseball team. She was also a secratary for Voss Furniture company for a period of time before finally settling down in Orangevale, CA where she spent the rest of her life. She babysat for many years taking care of children as if they were her own and she took care of many of the parents as well. She was an amazing cook and baker. She could make top romin taste like a gourmet soup. If you were to ask many of the children she took care of, they would say "No one can make top romin like Barbara does!" As the years passed and the children she took care of grew up she began to work at the Sacramento Bee as a news paper carrier. She did this for many years 7 days a week until she was unable to drive anymore.

Barbara enjoyed the outdoors and spent many summers up by Mt. Shasta at her property. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, crochetting and knitting. She will always have a place in the hearts of her family and friends and will be truely missed by all. We love you Mom!

At her request, no services will be held. However, we will be having a rememberance celebration of her life on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 1pm at La Placita Dos resturant 8036 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights CA 95610.