Barbara Lee Finstrom

FINSTROM, Barbara Lee

 (1919 - 2014)

Barbara passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on April 22, 2014. Born on June 5, 1919, in Bowmont, Idaho, to Frederick and Erma Metzger, she grew up in Nampa, Idaho, where she met her first husband, Richard Miles. He died in 1944 while in the Army Air Force when his plane crashed in France during WWII. She then married Clifford Shank and moved from Idaho to California. They made Sacramento their permanent home in 1949. He died in 1957. Barbara loved Sacramento for its abundant trees and the fertile conditions fox her luscious gardens. She was a stalwart churchgoer at Fremont Presbyterian Church and for many years created flower arrangements for every Sunday service, sang in choirs, and belonged to the Fremont Mariner's couples group. Barbara met Lester Finstrom through friends at Fremont and they were married in 1959. He passed away in 1989.

Over the years, Barbara worked in a floral shop, at Douglas Aircraft as a riveter, as a dental assistant and she established a home business selling beauty, health, and cleaning products. She quickly made new friends wherever she went and those who came to know her were impressed with her sense of style, her natural smile, and sense of humor, her personal touch and her generosity. She showed a lifelong loyalty to her high school friends and corresponded consistently with them and many other friends with her beautifully handwritten letters. In her later years she identified as a 'Grandmother for Peace.' She loved to be surrounded by family, especially during holidays when she would sing and play the organ.

Barbara was the oldest of four siblings and outlived all of her brothers: Stewart, Robert, and Lewis Metzger. Barbara leaves behind four children: Robert Miles (Gerry), Linda Larson, Gregory Shank (Judy), and Christopher Shank; seven grandchildren: Bryan and Shawn Larson, Renee Shank-Shively, Kirsten Schneider and Michael Miles, and Kevin Shank and Colleen Rosales; and 14 great-grandchildren. Through the years Barbara maintained a close relationship with Helga Miles, her former daughter-in-law. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Lady.

The family thanks the many dedicated people at Atria El Camino Gardens, where Barbara received excellent care in both assisted living and Life Guidance. A celebration of her life will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice or to the charity of your choice ~

Published in The Sacramento Bee on May 4, 2014

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Dec 17 2020, 7:33:09 UTC