Barbara Jayne Alessini

great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home in Los Angeles on July 6, 2024. She was 100. Born in San Francisco on March 25, 1924 to Edward and Nell (Ellard) Hopkins, Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, commitment to family, and generosity.

Barbara attended Notre Dame High School in San Francisco, class of 1942, where she was the student body president. She then completed an Associate of Arts degree at Lux College in 1943. During this time, she dated her future husband Dan, who was attending UCSF Dental School. They were married on December 21, 1946.

Before moving to Los Angeles in 1954, she assisted Dan in his dental practice in San Francisco and Madera. For many years, while raising her children, she volunteered in activities at St. Timothy Church and school.

Throughout her childhood, she had a fondness for pets and always made sure there was a dog or cat in the house so her family could share that love. Over the years, there was always a menagerie of pets on Clarkson Road: cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, horned toads, snakes, gold fish, and turtles. God’s beautiful creatures filled the house, and through them, love, respect, and care were learned. Her home was a place coveted by her children’s many friends: an oasis, a sanctuary, a place of acceptance and solace.

As a mother, she was always someone her children could go to for advice, love, and comfort. She was our educator, our disciplinarian, and our protector. She pushed for our independence when the time was right. There was nothing more enjoyable and gratifying than a good heartfelt laugh with Mom. She had the ability to help you see the beauty of life through all the ups and downs we were confronted with.

Throughout her life, she supported all the efforts of her family and friends and recognized every significant event in their lives. Hers was always the first phone call on their birthday singing “Happy Birthday to You” in her cheerful voice.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 77 years, Dr. Dan Alessini; her four children, Paul Alessini (Mary), Dr. Brian Alessini (Myndi), Danelle Alessini Moriarty (Jack), and Stephen Alessini (Maria); her grandchildren Patrick Moriarty, Shannon Moriarty Giles (Robert), Evelyn Alessini, Brandon Alessini, and Morgan Alessini; her great-grandchildren, Olivia Giles, Tommy Giles, and Natalia Alessini;

She is also survived by her nephew, Tim Carr (Evelyn); grandnieces, Rebecca Carr Eaton and Kathe Arend Bassi; grandnephew, Tom Arend.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Carr; brother-in-law, Barney Carr; and niece, Judy Carr Arend.

Barbara’s family is most grateful for her caregivers, Ellen, Paz and Remy, who were so kind and thoughtful with their care and support.

The family will honor Barbara’s wishes to be cremated and scattered at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in a private family ceremony.