Gloria Jean Barrett Feeney of Willows died at the Willows Care Center on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The third of six children, she was born in Colusa to Georgiana Carpenter and Manuel Barrett on July 26, 1932.
She lived in Princeton and went through high school there. Her father was a farmer and grew fruit trees and later rice.
Her father also had a crew that tended other orchards in the area and everyone had jobs to do keeping the crew fed.
Upon graduating from high school, she married Patrick Feeney from Willows. They built a home on the family ranch, where they lived and raised six children.
They would have been married 72 years on June 26.
She worked as a secretary for the Willows Planning Department and Glenn County Department of Education, where she enjoyed working and made many friendships. She was very generous and loving to family and giving to friends and strangers in need.
She loved cooking and trying new recipes. Her family and all their friends enjoyed everything she ever cooked.
She was the epitome of a farm wife and helpmate. As her family grew and needed her less, she enjoyed going to jazz festivals several times a year, first with one or two of her sisters, and then drawing her daughters into the fun.
Her loved ones agree, “She leaves a hole in our hearts that can’t be filled.”
Survivors include her husband, Pat; children Cheryl Busby (and Stuart), Patrick (and Mikki), Thomas (and Tami), Theresa Thurman (and Larry), Mark, and Andrea; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; brother Manuel Barrett; sisters Elizabeth Wilkins, Virginia Northrup (and Dennis), and Lila Barrett; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Lloyd.
She died at the Willows Care Center after a long illness. The family thanks the caring staff there for the kindness and compassion they showed their mom, not to mention the quality care, and the kindness they showed the family during this difficult time.
They give special thanks to Christine, Courtney, Michele, Darian, and the night nurse who helped, and others. (You know who you are, say family members.)
A Rosary is scheduled to be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 8, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m.
F.D. Sweet and Son, Willows, is handling all arrangements.
The Glenn County Observer 