Barbara (Brem) Heinzen

Barbara Brem Heinzen passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on December 6, 2024 with family at her side. Barbara will be remembered for her kind heart, contagious laugh, love of family and friends; and her zeal for life. Bobbie was compassionate, caring and fun. She was an avid reader, loved to belt out a show tune and rarely missed a party; and when there were costumes, so much the better!

Barbara was born in Gilroy, California on March 21, 1933. She, along with her beloved sister Lorraine were the daughters of Henry Brem and Sarah (Easton) Brem. Bobby was the youngest of the many Brem cousins and the Dowdy Ranch was their playground. Hunting, fishing, farming and family functions were at the core of Barbara's upbringing. Barbara attended Gilroy High school where she made many lifelong friends and where, she admits, that fun was her favorite subject. Following high school, she attended Hartnell College where she was a cheerleader and refined her skills in creative writing and drama. There she met Bob Heinzen, a Hartnell Panther football player. In 1953, they were married while Bob was serving his country. In their 35 years together, they enjoyed family life and raised four children, Mike, Holly, Jeanne and Dale They maintained a loving, lifelong friendship. Barbara was an Adams Street stay at home mom. She was active in all-things kids from PTA to Little League and never missed the Kiddie Capers parade. Mom was a life-long learner. She and her family were incredibly proud when she earned her Bachelor's Degree at the age of 60. She subsequently followed her passion of mentoring and support of young women as she worked as a counselor and volunteer for several local non-profit organizations.

Barbara was blessed with innate creativity and curiosity and had a love of literature, writing, theater and travel. She was a published author and play-write and thoroughly enjoyed live performances at local theaters, the Ashland Shakespearean Festival, Broadway, and London's theatre District.

Barbara, and her partner Silvio Skefich, who she met later in life, spent nearly 20 amazing years together in Pacific Grove and in Salinas; traveling, enjoying family and making many new friends along the way. Barbara remained active throughout her life; enjoying tennis with friends and was a regular at the YMCA and Hartnell track. Her walking buddies, including kids, grandkids and care providers had to huff and puff to keep up with Barbara's unwavering stride.

Barbara was loved and admired as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many. Barbara is survived by her children Mike Heinzen (Marcia), Holly Heinzen (Rob), Jeanne Heinzen Hood (Mark) and Dale Heinzen. Gramma Barbara was especially proud and loved to hang-out with her grandchildren Emily Heinzen (Bryan), Carly Woods (Chris), Cole Heinzen (Jessy), McClaren Unholz, Caden Unholz, Emma Hood (Danny) and Robert Hood. Gigi also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Posey Woods, Bearett Woods and Birdie Woods, who managed to coax big smiles from their Gigi at a moment's notice. Her life was also blessed with Mathew and Sylvia Skefich who forever joined our family and provided continued love and support. Aunt Bobby also leaves her beloved first cousin Glenn Brem of Gilroy and many nieces and nephews, both Heinzens and Brems, that she absolutely adored.

The family is especially grateful for the special care and much love Mom received from Rose Usi and her family in her last years; and most recently, the support of Heartland Hospice in guiding Mom with dignity and love in her final days.

Memorial services for Barbara will be held at 11 AM Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Church of the Good Shepard located at 301 Corral de Tierra Road; Salinas. A celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hartnell Scholarship fund, P.O. Box 6948, Salinas, CA 93912 or the Friends of the Salinas Public Library, 110 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · December 30, 2024