Death Announcement: Barbara Willson-Marsinkavage
Barbara Willson-Marsinkavage, a native of Yuba City and a beloved educator, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 83. She leaves behind a legacy of impactful teaching and a passion for genealogy, as well as her two daughters, Carla Bradburn and April Sawtelle, and numerous other family members and friends.
Barbara's educational journey began at Hayward State University, where she graduated with a BS in Education. Her career spanned over four decades, with 2 years spent teaching in Bridgeport, California, 31 years in the Santa Clara Unified School District, and a year as a civilian teacher for the US military in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
In addition to her dedication to education, Barbara was an avid genealogist and the author of a published book on the subject. Her love for family history was evident in her work, as she resided in Nevada City during her teenage years and later in the Santa Clara Valley.
The community is invited to pay their respects at a visitation preceding the Rosary from 4-6 p.m. on July 16th at Ullrey's Memorial Chapel in Yuba City. The Rosary will follow at 6 p.m. The interment will take place at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colusa, on July 17th at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree or rose bush in memory of Barbara Willson-Marsinkavage. The family encourages remembering Barbara by living happily, as she did throughout her life.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Marsinkavage, and several family members. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched and in the stories she compiled in her genealogy book.
- Barbara Willson-Marsinkavage, throughout her career as an educator, demonstrated a profound interest in science, as she studied Education at Hayward State University.
- Apart from her dedication to education, Barbara also had a deep commitment to mental health and health-and-wellness, as evidenced by her authorship of a book on genealogy - a subject that resonated greatly with her personal growth and learning.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, Barbara was struck with multiple-sclerosis, a neurological disorder, which she bravely battled throughout her later years.
- As a believer in education-and-self-development, the community is encouraged to remember Barbara by adopting a tree or rose bush as a tribute to her life and her passions, particularly health-and-wellness, mental health, and personal growth.
- The therapies-and-treatments she underwent for her medical-conditions were no doubt instrumental in her resilience and joyful spirit, which she carried with her until her passing on July 7, 2025.
