Barbara Carter joined our Lord and Savior December 29th, 2012, at Modesto Doctors Hospital, of complications from a stroke suffered five years earlier.

She leaves her high school sweetheart, loving husband of fifty-two years, Lynn Ray Carter, and her mother, LaVena Faustino.

Barbara is survived by their two daughters and five grandchildren, as well as her two brothers and a sister. We are grateful to her Aunt and Godmother, LaVonne (Mrs. Frank) Amaral for her frequent help and support during Barbara’s lifetime, especially during her long illness.

Barbara Jeanne was born in Eureka, California to Leslie and LaVena Faustino. Raised in Bayside, CA, she graduated from High School in Arcata, CA, in 1959. Barbara operated her own housecleaning business for 40 years. She was an upbeat, outgoing person who made many longtime friends in the community where they lived, especially in Livermore and Manteca.

Barbara had a great love for crafts of all sorts. She created ceramics, and had a gift for tasteful home décor. Their home was festive for all the American holidays. She was frequently asked by her customers to decorate their homes for the special days, too.

Barbara was a devout Christian and knew the Bible well. After joining a women’s church group, her life was enriched by the many new people she met who were fond friends for over 40 years until her death.

One of her hobbies was to travel to small towns off the beaten track, visiting gift shops for ideas and bargains. Barb loved to arrange lunches and shopping trips with friends. Her annual November Christmas Shopping excursions were eagerly attended by many friends in the ‘lunch bunch’. Her lovely personality and zest for life will be remembered by so many.

The Carters attended all their high school class reunions, she was from Arcata High, Ray from Eureka High. In mid May, Eureka grads hold a Mini Reunion in Reno. Barb, in spite of her wheel chair and limited speech, enjoyed the fun and attention she experienced with the group.

Barbara Carter’s unquenchable spirit, her faith and joy of life, and her love of people will be sorely missed, although we have no doubt that she is arranging Bible studies and recreation outings today in Heaven. God bless you, good wife and friend.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, January 19, 2013