Barbara graduated from Dos Palos High School, and then went on to attend Fresno State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching credential. She was a gifted teacher and a positive influence on many lives over the years. She was loved by all who knew her.
While at Fresno State, she met the love of her life, Richard Soares. Shortly after graduation, they married on June 29, 1956, and were together for 58 years until his passing.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Richard.
She is survived by her four children, Diana Soares, Mark Soares and his wife Anita, Laura Heagerty and her husband Joe, and Sandra Atkins and her husband Scott; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at her home parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Clovis Cemetery.
