Obituary of Gloria Barraco

Services will be held in Santa Cruz on Thursday, for Gloria Barraco who passed away peacefully at the age of 89, on December 1, 2013 in Watsonville. Born February 7, 1924 in San Francisco, Gloria moved to Santa Cruz 36 years ago. She was employed with Santa Cruz Unified Schools as Food Service Manager for 20 years. She loved being in the kitchen. Friends and colleagues will remember her fondly from her cards and letters she would send to 'spread the joy'. Her 'Birthday Book' contained the names of more than 300 people that she would send birthday, anniversary, get well & thinking of you cards to. Her vibrant personality and diligence in keeping in touch was extraordinary. Gloria loved the game of golf. Making sure to play a few rounds each week until the age of 82, and had been recognized for making a 'birdie' on the first hole at De Laveaga Golf Course. Her family will forever cherish the memories of the love she had for being Italian, old movies, Hollywood actors and the music of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. She is lovingly remembered by her children; Two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Carol Barraco of Hillsborough, Ed and Cindy Barraco of Burlingame. Her daughter and son-of-"da"-law, Cari and Tom Johnson of Watsonville; her grandchildren Jeanette, Tony, Stacy and Christine and her great granddaughter, Kendall. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum (2271 7th Ave) in Santa Cruz beside her beloved husband, Fred "Laddie" Barraco who preceded her in death in 1984. The ceremony will take place on Thursday December 5, 2013 beginning at 1 o'clock p.m. in the mausoleum chapel. Any kind acts of charity may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank (800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA. 95076) If you would like to light a candle and share your thoughts and prayers with her family, please do so by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com