Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
— Dr. Seuss
Obituary
Barbara Mansfield Martinez, 64, of Lemon Grove passed away from laughing on September 2nd, 2025. Barbara was born to Leo & Alice Mansfield on July 17th, 1961, and spent most of her life in Lemon Grove, three years living in Naples, Italy and five years in Sasebo, Japan. She started her employment at the Mc Donald’s in Lemon Grove and spoke of the two fun years she spent there during her teenage years. She was most recently employed at the Lemon Grove School District in the capacity of Database Analyst where she retired. She was a self proclaimed geek and felt so fortunate to be able to turn a life long hobby of computers and “nerd lists” into her career. Her education included Mt. Miguel High School, and she received a BS and graduated magna cum laude from University of Maryland University College. Barbara was a Past Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters, Bethel #229, Lemon Grove, served as Secretary, Treasurer, and President of the Vista La Mesa Little League, member of Order of the Eastern Star, and the President of the Giggletimers, the clown unit of Ladies Oriental Shrine, San Diego, #37, and recently was High Priestess of LOS. Barbara loved being a clown. She loved participating in the parades with her clown brothers of the Al Bahr Shrine Clown unit, but felt extra sentiment clowning for children at hospitals or events such as the March of Dimes Easter Party. She was very proud and honored to be part of that company, but nothing ever made her happier than her “two biggest accomplishments” , her sons Fernando and Marty. Barbara was a loving, caring, nurturing, and fun mom to her sons, active in their activities and loved to let out some real belly aching laughs with them. Her newest love of her life, her granddaughter, Natalie, made her eyes sparkle and her heart grow even larger. She was so proud of her and loved going to all her basketball games, watching her dance at the Spring Festival at her school and going to all her plays, performances, and award ceremonies. She loved being a Nana to Natalie and a mom-in-law to Natalie’s mom, Stephanie. Barbara was preceded in death by her dad Leo, whom she missed dearly. Besides Fernando, Marty, Stephanie and Natalie, Barbara leaves behind her mother Alice, sisters Nancy and Carol, and many relatives and cousins in Texas. In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested donations to the Transportation Fund at the Al Bahr Shrine, which is used to transport children every Monday-Friday from San Diego County and Tijuana to their appointments and procedures at the Shrine Hospital in Los Angeles.
Pictures of Barbara
Memory wall
Always in my heart forever remembering our memories. The laughs we had the long talks we shared together❤️We sure were to crazy moms who had the best times no matter what we did together
You will forever be in my heart ❤️ I love Miss You
My sweet dearest friend
She wrapped her heart always around her family and our LGSD team. We know she will love us with her great smile from heaven. We love her so much!
Favorite Things
Celebration of Life
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to a wonderful person. While we mourn the loss of our dear Barbara, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection. Please wear purple
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Al Bahr Shriners
5440 Kearny Mesa Road
San Diego, CA 92111-1303
Office
+1-858-292-0092
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