Barbara Pepper Kelsey

Our dear Barbara Kelsey passed away on December 21, 2023, after an extended battle with cancer. Barbara is survived by her husband William (Bill) Kelsey, her beloved pup Sophie, brother Steven Sunderbruch, sister Sharon Honjiyo and brother-in-law Wally Honjiyo, and nieces and nephews who knew her lovingly as “Auntie Barb” – Rachel, Scott, Jaydon and Kylan Sojda, Alex Honjiyo and Dominick Fiorentino. Barbara grew up in the San Mateo Highlands neighborhood, graduated from Aragon High School, and got her bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University. She was a lifelong musician – singing and playing bass guitar in bands during high school and college, and later performed with and helped manage the acclaimed choir, Viva la Musica. Often referred to as the “rock” of our family, as the oldest of four children she took on more than her share of the responsibilities for our crew. Barbara’s stellar organizational skills and willingness to step in whenever needed were also part of her work ethic. In her professional career, she mastered retail merchandising and management at Sprouse Reitz (she was the first woman to be promoted to store manager), Earthbeam Natural Foods, and Sherman Clay. Most recently, she was a dedicated member of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter team for more than 13 years.

Memorial donations may be made to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.

Saturday, February 24, at 2:00 PM

BURLINGAME COMMUNITY CENTER at Washington Park:

Sequoia Room A850 Burlingame Avenue

Burlingame, CA 94010

Join us for an afternoon social to celebrate our dear Barbara. Wear bright colors and share your favorite stories. For questions, please email [email protected]