Barbara Jean Pimentel, a beloved resident of Fremont, CA, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025.
Born on December 25, 1939, in Oakland, CA, to Joseph and Alice Santos, Barbara was a kind and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to family, friends and education. Barbara was very proud to be in the very first class to graduate from Cal State Hayward on July 31, 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. For an incredible 54 years, she shared her passion for learning with countless students. She began her career at Horner Jr. High in Fremont, CA, and after welcoming two beautiful sons into the world, she continued her commitment to education as a dedicated substitute teacher at Chadbourne Elementary School in Fremont, CA.
In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed an active lifestyle, participating in a variety of sports. She loved playing golf, tennis, and swimming. Her zest for life extended beyond the sports field, as she also cherished time spent camping with family and friends, or enjoying evenings out to dinner and dancing. She also had a love for travel, enjoying many cruises with her husband and friends, as well as special trips to Hawaii, Tahiti, and Australia. Barbara had a lifelong love of learning and lived by the motto, “You need to learn one new thing every day.”
Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Todd Pimentel on April 3, 2024. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Clarence (Clay) Pimentel; her son, Craig Pimentel, and his wife, Traci Pimentel; and her grandchildren, Brittany and Daniel Bewley, John Michael Rainas, and Yvette Arellano.
Barbara will be remembered for her beautiful warm smile, endless positivity, and willingness to always help or provide much-needed advice or words of wisdom. She was always fair and honest, never pulling any punches, even if her opinion wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She loved to check in with her large group of friends and get updates on how everyone was doing. Her love of learning, her passion for life and travel, and her commitment to personal growth will leave a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the lives of Barbara and Todd at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels in Fremont on February 25, 2025. The service will begin at 1:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow at the Chapel of the Angels.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara and Todd’s memory to the California Institute of the Arts –The Todd Pimentel Scholarship, or a charity of the donor’s choice that helps the less fortunate or those in need.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
