Obituary of Barbara Diane Tagashira

Barbara Tagashira went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2013 at the age of 63. She will be sorely missed by many. Barbara loved interacting with people at large gatherings, especially at any church gatherings. She had a big smile, outgoing personality and the prettiest blue eyes. She leaves behind her parents, Gerald and Gloria Robertson, 2 sisters, Robyn Nordell and Joyce Robertson, 2 brothers Rich and Jim Robertson, and Dennis Tagashira, her husband. Dennis and Barbara were married on October 2, 1976 in West Covina, California. While working at Mt. San Antonio, a junior college in southern California, Barbara developed a love for international students trying to learn the English language. She and Dennis moved to northern California in 1993, and Barbara carried this love of tutoring international students to UC Berkeley where she volunteered helping visiting Chinese scholars practice English. She devoted herself to the International Christian Fellowship (ICF) at Diablo Valley College to continue helping international students trying to enter major universities. She continued ICF until the end. For years Barbara struggled with numerous physical issues. Even when she felt physically exhausted and tired, she always "perked-up" when she attended events where there were large diverse groups of people. She especially enjoyed the "Singing Flag" sponsored by Calvary Temple in Concord, California, as well as Fair Oaks Church services in Concord and ICF Friday night events in Pleasant Hill. In March of this year, Barbara had an inkling that her time on earth was short, and she felt at ease when doctors discovered an aggressive cancer in April 2013. She felt God was calling her home and she felt at peace with this diagnosis. At the end of her life, her husband was by her side reading from the book of Psalms to her, praying with her, holding her hands, and saying good-bye. Barbara slipped her earthly bounds peacefully at 9:35 a.m. on September 4, 2013. Barbara Tagashira is no longer suffering in pain. She's in heaven having a wonderful time smiling, greeting other saints, and being with angels and God. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Fair Oaks Church, 1925 Risdon Road in Concord. Private burial will take place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.