Barbara Joan Gunderman

Barbara Joan Gunderman

August 17, 1929 – September 21, 2018

Barbara Gunderman passed away peacefully the morning of Friday, September 21, holding the hand of her beloved husband of 70 years, Andrew (Butch) Gunderman.

Barbara leaves behind 11 children, David (Carmen), Bernard, Emily (Ned) Rodriguez, Rick (Sue), Larry (Stephanie), Jerry, Andrea (Graham) Ritchie, Cathi (Tom) Croal, Rose (George) Hoy, Fred (Jeanette), Steve; 34 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren.

Born in Morrilton, Arkansas, on August 17, 1929, to Frank and Rose Oswald, she is the oldest sibling to Jim (Charlene), Patricia (Ray) Berkemeyer, Robert, Margaret (John) DeSalvo.  After marrying the love of her life on June 29, 1948, they decided to move to California in 1953.  After short stays in Whittier and East LA, they settled in Fullerton in 1954 and resided there for 34 years.  In 1988, after retiring from St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton, Barbara and Butch moved to Marysville, CA to enjoy their golden years.  She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church choir, The Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Daughters in Marysville for 25 years until her final move to Irvine in 2013.  

Barbara’s zest for life, generosity, acceptance, and beautiful voice will be missed by all who knew her.  The love she had for her Lord comforts her family, knowing she is in the arms of our loving Father now and forever.  Barbara would not want us to be sad today, but would want us to celebrate her journey and rejoice that she is at peace.

A rosary will be held Friday, September 28 at Brown Colonial Mortuary Chapel at 7pm.  The Funeral Mass will be held, Saturday, September 29, at 11am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Irvine.   She will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral Mass at Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery, Orange.

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