Our sweet wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara Salazar passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023. Barbara was born on September 20, 1947 in Salt Lake City, to Fred Wayne Bowden and Eileen Trelawney Bowden along with sisters Eleanor and Shirley.
On November 25, 1964, she married the love of her life Jesse Joe Salazar. They spent 58 years together. They traveled the country and lived on several Marine Corp Bases. After 22 years in the military, Jesse retired, and they settled back in Utah in 1992. Barbara’s dream was to own their own home and in 1996, she finally got her wish.
Barbara worked in the medical field in many capacities and retired from the VA Hospital as an Operating Room Surgical Technician. She loved working in the health care industry and caring for others.
She is survived by her husband Jesse Joe; sister Shirley Olsson; her children Jesse, Mario (Amie), Nathan, Joshua, Dominic (Adrianne); grandchildren Alex, Amanda, Jackson, Sophia, Sienna, Jesse, Sawyer and Harper; and one great grandchild “Sweet baby James”; as well as many extended family members. Barbara also leaves behind many special friends, you know who you are.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Eleanor Davis.
Barbara’s passions besides her sons, were animals. She adored all animals and there was never a time where pets were not loved and treasured in the Salazar household. She had so many animals that she was given the nickname “Grandma Doolittle”. Everyone that met Barbara, came to love her and her feisty, fun spirit. Barbara had many talents including crocheting and was an amazing cook. After retirement, she truly came in to her own as an artist, spending hours working on beautiful paintings of animals, still life and landscapes.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 from Noon to 3:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens at The Chateau, 1910 East Dimple Del Rd. (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. Innichement to follow at 3:00pm also at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
The family would like to thank Symbii Home Health and Hospice – Utah for their kind and loving care to Barbara.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara would love it if you made a donation to:
Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, UT 84741-5000
ATTN: Juli Staley
Or by phone: (435) 919-3835 option 1
Or online: https://bestfriends.org/donate/memory
“With all my love, forever and always”
Barb was such a kind soul. We worked together at the VA in the Anesthesia department for many years. I know how much she treasured and loved her sons and husband Jess. Carpooling together was a hoot with Jess at the wheel. Barb and Jess were a match made in heaven. Barb will be missed and I know how much pain her family will go through. I am so sorry to learn about Barb’s passing.
My condolences to the family. Barbara was the first person I met when I immigrated to the U.S. she made me feel welcomed and at ease. She was funny and caring. I’ll never forget her.. she was special.
Sonja
Dear Uncle Jesse and family,
We are sad to hear of our Aunt’s passing. Mom used to enjoy your visits back in the day. May you all find comfort in your special memories of her.
Rick and Karin Raso