Obituary of Barbara Lena McCroskey

Barbara Lena McCroskey A graveside ceremony will be held today, Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 1:00 pm, at Home of Peace Cemetery, Santa Cruz (Meder St. off Bay Ave.), for Barbara McCroskey. At 56 years young, following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, Barbara died peacefully at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz on June 18, 2010, surrounded by her family. Born in Athens, Georgia, Barbara grew up living primarily in several San Francisco East Bay Area communities, but had resided in Santa Cruz since 1983. She was passionate about her family, animals (especially cats), horticulture and real estate. Her career in real estate spanned over 30 years, where she worked with Title companies, and most recently as Property Manager for the Santa Cruz Property Management Company. After her initial cancer treatment, she supported and volunteered for WomenCARE in Santa Cruz. She was a devoted single mother, whose enduring happiness in life was her son, Nick. Her last great joy before her untimely death was seeing Nick graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Barbara is survived by her son, Nicholas Carnevali, her brother, Carl LeRose, sisters Lynn LeRose and Eileen Kirkland, four nephews and a niece. She is remembered by all for her goodness, quick wit, her generous spirit and her love of family. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family prefers that donations be made in Barbara's honor to either of her most beloved charities: Santa Cruz WomenCARE (1001 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-4422) or Santa Cruz SPCA (2685 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95065). A consolation meal will follow the gravesite services and a Shiva Minyan will be held at 7:00 pm, both at the home of Ed Garner and Lynn LeRose.