Barbara Sterns

Barbara Lenore (Drakes) Sterns, 64, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born to Thomas and Claudine Drakes on February 20, 1960, in Monterey, California. Barbara attended St. Angela Merici Grammar School in Pacific Grove until it closed and then transferred to Pacific Grove Middle School, graduating from Pacific Grove High School in 1978. At her 20-year high school reunion, Barbara became reacquainted with a former classmate, Tom Sterns. Tom and Barbara were married the following year.

While raising her son, Kyle, and creating a warm home environment with Tom, Barbara enjoyed a 28-year career with the City of Monterey Parks Department. Her co-workers were Barbara’s extended family. Shortly after retiring in 2016, Barbara and Tom relocated to Eagle, Idaho, where Barbara spent her retirement years mastering her artistic skills with water colors. To stay active and make new friends, Barbara worked part-time at Basalite Concrete Products in Meridian, Idaho. Barbara enjoyed long walks along the Boise Greenbelt, overnight adventures to explore new towns and trying eateries and pubs throughout the area. Barbara developed a fascination with the many birds in the area, enjoying the visits of hummingbirds and the daily flyover of a magnificent Coopers Hawk as she relaxed with Tom on the back patio.

Barbara’s family and her faith were the most important parts of her life. She was a long-standing parishioner at St. Angela Merici Church in Pacific Grove. Barbara had a special devotion to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Christ. Barbara lived her Christian faith with a wonderful balance of warmth, meekness and humility, but was quick to laugh and had a sense of humor that endeared her to both friends and family.

Barbara’s husband, Tom, her adored son Kyle, step-daughter Elizabeth and all of her remaining relatives, friends and co-workers will treasure their memories of Barbara and how she enriched their lives with her warm, caring spirit and her delightful company.

Barbara is survived by her husband Tom Sterns; son, Kyle Nishida; step-daughter, Elizabeth Gary (Reggie); two step-grandchildren (Jordan and Peyton); 10 brothers and sisters: Robert, Cathy Day (Lewis), Thomas (Marie), Sally, Claudia Bramkamp, Janet (David Poll), William (Vicki), Paul, Peggy Hawkinson (Todd), and Peter (Suzanne), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas; mother, Claudine; sister, Maureen Molloy; brother, Richard; and brother-in-law, Michael Bramkamp.

A rosary will be recited at The Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove Tuesday evening, July 16, at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Pacific Grove on Wednesday, July 17, at 1:00 p.m., and a reception commemorating Barbara’s life will follow at Oak Newton Park, 500 Newton St, Monterey, CA 93940.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, PO Box 456, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 or to the charity of one’s choice.

A special thanks to the professional staff of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise for their exceptional care for Barbara and many kindnesses they extended to her family in her final days.