Lovell, Barbara

Barbara Jean Lovell, born April 9, 1950 Seattle, Washington passed away Monday, March 6, 2023 in Adventist Health Sonora. She is survived by her husband John Sherry Lovell, her sister Robin Brown, her two daughters Heather Hatchell and Jennifer Njirich, her son-in-law Shane Hatchell and six grandchildren. She took after her mother’s amazing piano playing that would later become her passion in life as an excellent pianist, singer and phenomenal Choral Conductor.

It was not long after her family moved from Tacoma, Washington to Los Gatos, California in 1966 that she met the love of her life, John Lovell while they were both majoring in music at San Jose State University. So began 53 years of eternal love. They struggled for ten years to have children, but in the meantime, Barbara led an incredible career directing choirs, musicals and so many exciting shows at a junior high school in San Jose and for her church, Crossroads Bible Church. In 1981, their first daughter Heather was born and in 1984, Jenny followed. In 1989 they moved to Danville and Barb directed the choir at Zion Fellowship including Christmas and Easter musicals. She also taught many piano students out of her home and made many cherished friends there.

In 2000 Barb and John moved to Arnold in the foothills. Barb continued leading music there at Oak Circle Church and even during a battle with breast cancer, never missed a Sunday. In 2005 Barb and John moved back to San Jose. They attended Bethal Church and played in the Orchestra for numerous Christmas and July 4th musicals. In 2010 Barb and John decided to move to Sonora to be near their kids and grandkids. They had so many fun memories in the mountains and on vacations. She traveled with John each week to an apartment in San Jose for several days a week while he worked in his office. She loved being a grandmother and watching the grandchildren grow up.

Everyone that knew her remembers her incredible earth-shaking voice, her expressive brown eyes, and a personality that lit up every room! She touched every heart she met. Although her last year was painful and difficult, we now celebrate the fact she is in Heaven and the pain is gone. She is released to an eternal life of peace and joy with Jesus.

Private Family Graveside services will be held at Dambacher Mountain Memorial with a public Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date.     Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home entrusted with Cremation arrangements

• Date of Death: 03/06/2023
• Age: 72
• Residence: Sonora, CA