Barbara Sprague Mazzetti was born on January 30, 1939, in Riverside, California, to Kenneth and Lucille Sprague. She attended local schools, including Magnolia Elementary, Central Junior High, and Riverside Poly High School. During her high school years, her family relocated to San Bernardino, after her father was promoted to CEO of Stockwell, & Binney office supply company.
Following graduation, Barbara pursued higher education at the University of Colorado Boulder and later at San Jose State University, where she earned her degree in Interior Design. While at San Jose State, she met the love of her life, Tom Mazzetti. The two were married in Riverside in 1962 and remained devoted to each other for 63 years.
Barbara was deeply involved in her community. She was a dedicated member of the Riverside Junior League, a board member of the Riverside Art Museum, and a passionate supporter of the Riverside Assistance League's "Snack Attack" lunch program.
She also supported numerous national organizations including Yosemite National Park, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Wounded Warrior Project, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, Barbara was active in church events from childhood and participated in a canasta card group with close friends for over 30 years.
Barbara was a talented entrepreneur. She founded and operated Orange Tree Fresh Fruit and Nuts, providing gourmet food and wine items to the Riverside community.
She also owned "This Treasure," a local interior design and antique furniture business.
Barbara designed and built several homes for family and friends, showcasing her impeccable taste and creativity.
An avid tennis player, Barbara remained active through the years, playing regularly with a group of close friends at her home. She and Tom shared a passion for travel, especially enjoying small-ship cruises aboard the Golden Odyssey through Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean. She was also a music lover, with a particular admiration for Luciano Pavarotti, whom she had the joy of meeting in person on several occasions.
Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Findlay, and brother, Bill Sprague.
She is survived by her loving husband, Tom, her children, Sally Mazzetti and Vince Mazzetti, her grandchildren, Courtney Sampson, Joey Mazzetti, and Tommy Mazzetti, and her great-grandsons, Reid and Guy Sampson.
Barbara's grace, generosity, and warmth touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and community service that will be cherished by her family and friends for generations.
A memorial service for Barbara will be held Wednesday, July 9th at 11; 00 am at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside, located at 4495 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, Ca.
92501-4198 with Reception immediately following at 12:00 noon in Barbara’s honor at Victoria Club in Riverside located at 2521 Arroyo Drive, Riverside, Ca. 92506 (951) 683-5323.
The Mazzetti family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Barbara’s name, to the Riverside Assistance League’s “Snack Attack” program at: assistanceleague.org and/or the San Diego Zoo wildlife Alliance at: give.sandiegozoo.org