Barbara Jean Bologna

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Barbara Bologna
December 1946 – May 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished Barbara Bologna on May
21, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born December 20, 1946, in Orange County, California, to Harold and Opal DeWald,
Barbara grew up alongside her beloved older brother, Wayne DeWald. From an early
age, surrounded by 16 aunts and uncles and 34 cousins, family and friendship were the
cornerstones of her life. She was deeply loyal, endlessly caring, and brought joy,
laughter, and smiles to everyone around her.
Barbara graduated from Orange High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree
from the University of Phoenix. She worked for over 40 years and found her stride as a
purchasing manager in the agriculture fertilizing industry. She was a light in every room
she entered—her warmth, vibrant energy, unforgettable laugh, and magnetic
personality made her truly one of a kind and a very successful businesswoman.
Barbara was an active member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)
for over 40 years, was Woman of the Year in 2005 and served as President in 2008. She
was also an active member of the Tustin Area Republican Women Federated (TARWF),
and she shared her love of country music and line dancing with her crew, the Do It In
Line Dancers. Barbara loved to dance and whether she followed all the steps, she
allowed her free spirit to guide her on the dance floor with fun and flair.
In 1987, Barbara married Sam Bologna, and together they shared a beautiful life full of
love, laughter, adventure, travel, and countless cherished memories. They were married
for 27 years before Sam passed in 2014.
Above all, Barbara’s greatest joy was her family—and those fortunate enough to be
loved by her felt like family. Though Alzheimer's slowly dimmed the spark that once
shone so brightly, her spirit, strength, and love continue to live on in the hearts of all
who knew her.
She will be remembered for the joy she brought, the laughter she shared, and the
boundless love she gave so freely.
Barbara is survived by her niece, stepson, cousins and countless friends that have
become family.
There will be a funeral mass at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church and a Celebration of Life at
Orange Hill that will be held on June 11, 2025. The mass will be at 10am followed by
the Celebration of Life at noon.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Brown Colonial Mortuary, Santa Ana, CA.

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