Barbara Jean Arata

Barbara, who was born on June 04, 1937, was a proud life-long resident of San Jose, CA. She spent most of her life living in the Willow Glen area near the original Arata family farm/orchard. Barbara was the oldest of five children born to her mother.

Barbara was predeceased in death by her mother (Lucille Ethel b.1920 d.1972), her father (Joseph John b.1892 d.1992), her three brothers: (Leland Stanford of Reno, NV b.1951 d.2016) (Ernest Vincent, Jr of San Jose, CA b.1953 d.2016) and Larry Larsen of Sacramento, CA b.1957 d.2023). Barbara is survived by her brother (James Dominic b.1955) of Bristow, VA. Barbara is also survived by several maternal and paternal cousins, nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a unique and beautiful soul who would talk to and help anyone if she could. She enjoyed going to the Santa Cruz boardwalk and taking the bus to various casinos to pass the time, play the penny slots and just watch and talk to people. Barbara especially loved playing bingo with her friends and taking drives out to Gilroy using the back roads to get a Foster’s burger or ice cream on the return trip.

She lived life to the fullest (and her way) and especially loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved cats. Although Barbara is gone, she will live forever in our hearts.

A visitation for Barbara will be held Monday, January 13, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A final viewing will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A committal service will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.