Barbara Margaret Brethauer Cleary (Freese) passed away on July 28, with her family by her side.
Cleary was born in San Francisco and graduated from Holy Names College. She was as an extraordinary teacher, gardener, golfer, folk artist and world traveler.
Cleary was known as a joy and inspiration to her children, extended family and countless friends in Malibu, Northern California and Palm Desert.
“She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” Cleary’s family wrote.
Cleary is survived by her husband, Joseph Philip Cleary; her children and their spouses, Joan (Tom), Jay (Janice), Sheila (Dan), Bob (Sheila) and Patti (Russ); stepsons Tim (Barbara) and Phil (Kimberly); grandchildren Erin Barbara, Jack (Kate), Katie, Robby (Laura), Danny, Donald, Alex, Johanna and Caralyn; great-grandson Dempsey; step-grandchildren Joe, Shea Marie, Conway and Marianne. She was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Brethauer.
A celebration of life will take place Aug. 3 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland, Calif. at 9:30 am.