Obituary — Leanore Viola Barbano,
Dec. 2, 1948-Sept. 4, 2023
CLAYTON, CA (Sept. 27, 2023) — Leanore Viola Barbano passed away peacefully holding the hand of her husband of 53 years on Sept. 4.
Lea was born in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 1948, to parents Albert and Agnes Piccetti. She grew up in North Beach, attending Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, where she met the love of her life, Mark Barbano.
Shortly after marrying Mark in 1970, they left San Francisco to start their family and build a life in Clayton. She raised their three sons, made many lifelong friends and created a home that was welcoming to all. The front door was always both literally and figuratively open.
Lea spent nearly 20 years working at Pine Hollow Middle School, where she cultivated some of her most significant relationships. She had a gift for nurturing young students through her endless creativity. Every child who crossed her path walked away feeling valued and loved.
She retired upon the arrival of her first grandchild in 2008, allowing her to be active in the daily lives of her greatest treasurers, “the Fabulous Five.”
Lea and Mark’s retirement years allowed them time to spend at their home in Blue Lake Springs in Calaveras County. Lea created wonderful connections in the area and hosted family and friends on countless mountain trips.
Lea’s deep faith and gratitude were profoundly enriched by her dedication and her long history in the 12-step recovery movement of AA and Alanon. Her passion transcended onto everyone she encountered, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
She was the cherished mother of Jeffrey (Mary) Barbano, Andrew (Lauren) Barbano and Martin (Sarah) Barbano; the adoring Nonni to Michela, Francesca, Angelina, Marco and Talia; loving sister to Louise (Ken) Fambrini, John (Nicole) Piccetti and James (Marie) Piccetti; and beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 666 Filbert St, San Francisco. There will not be a reception.
A Celebration of Life will take place 1-4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Dr., Danville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lea’s honor to the following:
- The Sisterhood of Sobriety, https://thesisterhoodsobriety.com.
- The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, https://www.sffcpf.org.
- The Salesian Boys and Girls Club, https://salesianclub.org/give.