Giorgina (Gina) Barbara passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on January 13, 2022. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charlie and is survived by her children Nancy Barrick (Joe Ferretti), Joseph, Sam (Lori), Ray (Patti), and Katrina Seal (Todd). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicole Hessling, Thomas Kelley and Great Grandson William Hessling. Gina is survived by her brother, Francis Debono, Sister-in-Law Teresa Stellini, brothers-in-law, Joe Barbara (Grazyna), Manny Barbara (Mechelle), Alpio Barbara (Mary), Charlie Zammit as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Annunziata Debono, parents-in-law Sam and Olympia Barbara, Sisters Mary Zammit, Jesse Zammit, Rosaria Gross (Gene), brothers John Debono (Wanda), Carmenu Debono (Rini), Sister-in-law Mary Spiteri (Edgar), Dini Debono, Brother-in-law Anthony Stellini and son-in-law Ken Barrick.
Gina was born in Tarxien, Malta and at the age of 19, immigrated to the United States to marry and start a new chapter of her life with Charlie. Together they raised five children in San Jose. Gina was active in volunteering in the school and at Santa Teresa Church. She loved to knit, crochet, sew, and spend time with her grandchildren but will be fondly remembered most as the neighborhood baker.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, with a viewing from 6 p.m. to 7p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022; both services will be held at Santa Teresa Church in San Jose, 794 Calero Avenue. Burial to follow the funeral at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Santa Teresa Church food pantry would be appreciated.
