Barbara Ann Hobson

Barbara Ann Hobson went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ after a courageous battle with cancer on February 24, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born at Lying–In Hospital in Boston, MA to Joseph and Theresa Hobson. She was the youngest of three children. She graduated from Norwood High School in Boston, MA in 1950.

Barbara moved to Texas in 1959 where she raised her family. She was a wonderful, loving and caring mother to her six children. She always gave unselfishly of herself to help her children and encouraged us to follow our dreams knowing we could do anything we wanted to if we strived hard to do it. She taught us to learn from our mistakes and was quick to forgive us.

In 1979, Barbara moved to Orange, CA and immediately fell in love with its beauty and mild climate. She knew this was where she wanted to spend the rest of her life. She used her gift of caring for others while working for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Orange as a caregiver for many years. Later, she worked at the Orange County School District as a childcare provider. She loved taking care of and nurturing young children.

In 2001, Barbara moved to Westlake Village, CA. She made many friends and especially enjoyed her church, her volunteer work, and her beloved pets. She became involved in her community as a volunteer at Buena Vista Hospice and St. Max. She was very caring and generous to her friends and neighbors.

In addition to spending time with her family and friends, Barbara enjoyed cooking, gardening, word games and traveling. Some of her favorite trips included Ireland, Paris, Tahiti, the Caribbean and the Orient. She also enjoyed numerous family vacations in the United States. Most of all, she loved California. Recently, she and her four daughters had a memorable trip to her beloved Yosemite National Park, one of her favorite places to experience the beauty of God in nature.

Barbara was loved by all and will be remembered as a kind, fun-loving, compassionate, sweet and gentle soul. She was beautiful inside and out, young at heart, and strong in her faith. Barbara will live on in the many hearts she touched, and her memory will be honored and cherished by all who loved her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Peter Hobson and Theresa Hobson, son, Michael Strazzulla, and her nephew, Colin Wilson. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephew. Her children are: Catherine Roheim and husband, John, of Flower Mound, TX; Ellen Gilleland and husband, Richard, of Westlake Village; Steven Strazzulla, of Long Beach, CA; Carol Stephens and husband, John, of Colleyville, TX; and Joyce Strazzulla of Westlake Village. Her grandchildren are Brandon Stephens of Shawmut, MT and Elizabeth Stephens of Minneapolis, MN. Her siblings are Donald Hobson of Orange, CA and Geri Wilson of Everett, WA. Her nieces and nephew are: Lisa Rogers of Tenn., Erica Hobson of Orange, CA, and Mark Wilson of WA. Barbara is also survived by her beloved kitties, Blondie and Eltie.