Barbara L. Mello

Barbara was a child model for Ward's Photography Studios in Visalia. She received her elementary education at Packwood, Elbow Creek and East Lynne schools before graduating from Visalia Union High School in 1952. While attending high school, she worked for the Firestone Company. In 1946, she represented the PPAV as their Holy Ghost Festa Senior Queen. She also worked for JC Penney and Gottschalks Department stores for a number of years.

In 1952, she married her sweetheart, John S. Mello, who proposed via letter while serving in the US Army overseas in Korea.

Barbara was an extraordinary mother who loved her family and many friends and especially enjoyed being a grandmother. She was a compassionate person, an excellent cook and seamstress. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 50 years and was also a member of the Altar & Rosary Society and her beloved bunco groups over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John S. Mello and is survived by daughters Lynnette Pendleton (Carl), Diane Perez, grandson, Alex Perez, a niece, two nephews and many cousins.

Donations may be made to the charity of choice in Barbara’s name. A special thanks is extended to Esperanza Gonzalez and the staff of Magnolia Park Assisted Living for the loving care provided to Barbara during her stay there.

Visitation is scheduled for 4 - 6 pm on Sunday, December 16th, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA. A Mass will be held at 10 am on Monday, December 17th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 608 N. Church St., Visalia, CA. Interment will follow at Visalia Public Cemetery District, 1300 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.