Barbara Jean Becerra, age 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Peppi’s Hospice House in Tucson, Arizona. Barbara was born March 6, 1951, in Douglas, Arizona to the late Clyde Wales and Dolores Pinon Burroughs. Barbara (“Jeanie” aphetically called by her siblings) was referred to then and now as the most beautiful baby that her sisters: Thema, Patricia and Susan have ever seen. Barbara “Jeanie” being the youngest daughter was also said to be favored by her father but would still be scolded if she picked grapes from too many bunches while swinging in the backyard.
Barbara was survived by her two wonderful children: Son Luis Becerra Jr. and wife Lynn, of Tucson Arizona and Daughter Ann Marie Roth-Becerra and husband Aaron of Tempe, Arizona. Barbara was affectionately called “Nana” by her eight Grandchildren: Christopher “Big Chris”, Avrie, Luis “Marco”, Briana, Amanda (Becerra), Isaac, Juliana and Jacob (Roth). Along with her two Great-Grandchildren: Christopher “Little Chris” and Chloe Becerra.
Barbara was best known for her career in Early Childhood Education as a head start teacher in Tucson, Arizona. Though she started on this path as a Bus Driver, Cook, Teacher Assistant for Head Start her passion to work with young children drew her to become a fulltime Teacher. She loved working with the children helping them learn their colors, shapes and alphabet. She most enjoyed doing projects with them such as making homemade play doh (A past time she also shared with her grandchildren) and creating gifts for parents of students. Her face always lit up when talking about the children she was helping to shape for their future school years. Barbara devoted 30 years of her life to calling of an Early Learning Educator.
Barbara’s had other creative sides. She started out in life as a Baker where she would make pastries and decorate beautiful cakes for all types of occasions. She also enjoyed baking and decorating cookies, which was always a hit at family gatherings. She knitted beautiful baby blankets, and you could look forward to a beautiful hand-crafted (knitted) pair of slippers for Christmas. (Always in your favorite color.) She always like to garden and to grow her own vegetables.
Barbara “Jeanie” will be greatly missed by all who loved her. A Rosary service will be held Thursday June 8th from 6pm to 8pm at the Funeraria del Angel South Lawn Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona. Friday June 9th Funeral Services will also be held the Funeraria del Angel South Lawn Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona starting with a Private Viewing at 10:30 am, Public Viewing at 11am and Memorial Service at 12:30pm with Deacon Valenzuela presiding. Reception will immediately follow Services at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn Mortuary banquet hall.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Becerra family.
