Barbara Jane (Fink) Bodkin was born Aug. 19, 1912, in Berkeley, CA. She passed away Monday, at the age of 96 in Manteca.  
She  was a member of First Christian Church of Manteca.

Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter  Nancy J. Boucher and her brother Walt Fink.

She is survived by her  2 daughters  Susan E. Oslin (Timothy D. Oslin Sr.) of Manteca, and Judith  A. Shamel (William K. Shamel) of Manteca; grandchildren Scott D. Stymans of Manteca, Coleen M. Guthrie of Galveston, TX , Mark D. Stymans of Hayward, Larry " Skip" E. Cornell II of Manteca, Craig K. Cornell of  Hughson, Kimberly A. Cornell of Manteca, Robert J. Stewart of  Windsor,  Jenny E. Boucher of Sierra City; 15  great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.  Barbara spent the past few years of her life surrounded by family, friends and her friend and caregiver Curtis Shamel.

Barbara worked for the Oakland Tribune for many years before she settlled down and started a family with Jon L. Bodkin.  In 1984 after 30 years, at the age of 72,  she retired from Daly's Department Store in Eureka, CA.

Barbara  enjoyed her weekly card games,  playing bingo and heading out with family and friends to play the slots. She was passionate about flowers.
Considered the "Rock of the Family",  and affectionately referred to as the "Queen Bee", Barbara will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Private arrangements are being handled by Park View Funeral Home, 3661 E. French Camp Rd., Manteca, CA. A celebration of life for Barbara will be Saturday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church  at  1125 N. Union Road  Manteca, CA  95336. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Christian Church or the charity of your choice.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009