Barbara Ann Espinoza

03/29/1938 – 02/24/2024

Barbara Ann Jacinto (Espinoza) of Santa Barbara, age 85, passed away of natural causes comfortably in her home on Feb. 24, 2024.

Barbara was born March 29, 1938 to Buford A. Sarrett and (Thelma) Faye Cates in Grandfield, Okla. Barbara came to California with her family in 1945. She attended Carpinteria High School where she graduated in 1955. She later started her career with General Telephone Electric (GTE) as a telephone operator, where she then worked her way up the ranks.

In 1988, Barbara retired from GTE and made her home in Santa Barbara, Calif. Barbs spent much of her time through the years cooking, baking (she was known for her famous homemade hot fudge sundae topping), reading, doing crossword puzzles and crocheting/ sewing. She loved to travel and enjoyed all sorts of music. She was an active member of her church and enjoyed family functions. She was loving, compassionate, kind and giving. She had a contagious laugh and was as quick-witted as she was funny. One of her hobbies in retirement was shopping QVC and HSN regularly.

In 1963, Barbara married her first husband Jesse H. Espinoza in Carpinteria, Calif. at Saint Joseph Church. Barbara and Jess went on to have four children: Regina, Trini, Jesse Jr. and Norma.

Barbara married her second husband Joe Jacinto in 2003. Barbara and Joe lived in Oxnard for a short time, but would soon return to Santa Barbara. 

She was predeceased in death by her parents Buford Sarrett and Faye Pascua; sister Phyllis Lopez; first husband Jesse Espinoza; and second husband Joe Jacinto. She is survived by her sister Norma Jimenez of Carpinteria; brother Phil Lopez of Santa Barbara; and cousin June Williams of Lawton, Okla. 

She is also survived by her children, Regina Rodriguez (Rudy), Trini Macias (Joe), Jesse Espinoza and Norma Espinoza, and her grandchildren Tyler Espinoza, Yvonne Rodriguez, Blake Espinoza and Diego Hernandez.

Barbara was a member of the Santa Barbara Neptune Society and wished that she be released at sea in the Santa Barbara Channel. In lieu of flowers, Barbara would have loved for donations to be made to any organizations for veterans or cancer research as they hold special meaning to her, having survived cancer herself and having family in the armed forces.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to and much appreciation for Rosanna Petronella PA, CDE at Sansum Clinic for the many years of impeccable care and empathy she always extended to our mother.

A celebration of life in honor of our beloved Babs will be held at a future date.