Claremont resident Barbara Adelle Feezell died at home on February 2, 2009.  For over 3 years, Ms. Feezell bravely faced the breast cancer that led to her death at age 54. 

“Barbara had a smile and a laugh that warmed the hearts of all who knew her,” said her husband of 20 years, Fred Feezell. “She was a model of human kindness, love and optimism.” 

During the course of Ms. Feezell’s cancer treatment, she became an advocate for breast cancer awareness through sharing her story and speaking for the cause.  Among her proudest moments, explained Mr. Feezell, were her inspiring speech at the 2006 Light of Hope celebration at The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center and greeting her sister, Julie, at the finish of the 3-day Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in 2007. 

“Barbara gave strength, hope and comfort to other women undergoing cancer treatment,” her husband commented. 

Ms. Feezell was born in Boise, Idaho to Jean Bachman and Ron Burkhart on April 11, 1954.  She spent much of her youth in San Dimas, growing up with her sister, Julie Conner, and her brother, Curtis Burkhart.

In 1988, Ms. Feezell married Fred Feezell in Lake Tahoe. The couple had nurtured a close friendship that began years ago when they worked together at a medical supply company in Montclair. But at that time, she was engaged to be married and he was in a dating relationship.

“I admit to having a pretty good crush on her, but I wasn’t going to go there. She was taken, I was a gentleman and my dad was in the military,” joked Mr. Feezell.

Ms. Feezell left the medical supply company to pursue a career in graphics and graphic design, but returned to the company years later, much to Mr. Feezell’s joy.

“The day she hit the door, our relationship picked up right where it left off. It was great,” said Mr. Feezell, noting that both were single at this juncture. “So our friendship blossomed into a romance, and it’s probably good that we both had some life experience behind us, and we were probably somewhat different and better people for it.”

Together, they enjoyed music, art, spending time with family and their spirited cat, Coltrane. 

“There were so many attributes and characteristics that she had that were just instantaneously likeable,” said Mr. Feezell, adding that one of the best was that she laughed at his jokes.

To her stepsons, Danny and Eric, Ms. Feezell was an enthusiastic and empathetic mother who treasured the close relationship they shared. She always had fresh baked cookies prepared for their visits and laughter and stories ready to share.

“She always had a great love and a great respect for my sons,” Mr. Feezell said. “She wasn’t afraid to feel with them like a mom would feel with her own kids…there have been so many things, if it involved their lives, she was going to be a part of it.”

An avid reader, Ms. Feezell cherished her book club friends who provided her with loving support as well as great food and wine. 

As a professional in the medical field, Ms. Feezell ultimately found what she described as her “dream job” as the director of materials management at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.  Though she had worked in this same capacity at other hospitals, it was at PVHMC that she found her true professional home. This was the case, said her husband, for a number of reasons—her mother-in-law, with whom she shared a strong connection, died there; compared to the other facilities where she worked, it was the most sizable hospital and the one with the best reputation; her commute, which once took her from Claremont to the San Fernando Valley, was reduced to mere minutes. Plus, even during the interview stage, Ms. Feezell immediately felt that “these are my people,” explained her husband.

“Barbara’s PVHMC family gave her unwavering support during her battle with breast cancer,” said Mr. Feezell.  “Her warm and open personality drew people to her and made her a beloved friend to many.  Her passion for life and work were inspirational.”

Ms. Feezell is survived by her husband, Fred Feezell; her stepson and daughter-in-law, Danny and Jessica Feezell; her stepson, Eric Feezell, and his fiancé, Caitlin Cota; her sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Lee Conner; her brother and sister-in-law, Curt and Sue Burkhart; her mother, Jean Bachman; her stepmother, Bonnie Burkhart; her nephew, Ian Morier; and her niece, Adelle Lynton, who devoted many hours and days to her aunt.  She was predeceased by her father, Ron Burkhart, and by her stepfather, Les Bachman.

A memorial service celebrating Ms. Feezell’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at Todd Memorial Chapel, Claremont. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, http://ww5.komen.org/.