Barbara Shilala

Barbara Shilala passed away peacefully at her home on June 7, 2020. She had been cared for at home by her two daughters Cynthia Shilala Joynt and Cheri Shilala Petersen with

support from The Denver Hospice.

Barbara was born at home in Los Angeles, California weighing an amazing 13 pounds. People from the neighborhood came over wanting to see the "huge" baby.

During WWII Barbara worked much like "Rosie the Riveter" assembling aviation parts in a Hughes aircraft factory. It was there she met her life-long friend Virginia Crimi who remained her best friend for nearly 80 years!

She moved with her husband to Colorado in 1984 to join their daughters who had moved here in 1979 and 1983.

Barbara was an excellent chef and pastry maker who was also widely known for her outstanding seamstress abilities. She was able to tailor everything from draperies to men's suits to elaborate wedding dresses primarily using patterns of her own making.

Working with her husband she reupholstered furniture such as dining chairs, armchairs and sofas. As a team there appeared to be nothing they couldn't do.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Vitout Leonard (Babe) Shilala and her sisters Virginia Hair and Fern (Dede) Lloyd. She is survived by her two daughters Cynthia (Stephen) Joynt and Cheri Petersen, her four grandchildren Courtney (Joe) Leigh, Craig (Carrie) Joynt, Tyler Petersen, Alexis Petersen Van Wagner and her six great-grandchildren Jameson and Graham Leigh, Sierra and Savannah Joynt and Karissa and Havynn Van Wagner.

A service will be held on Thursday, August 6th, Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sherican Blvd. in Denver Area “C” – www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp – attendees will meet at 12:45 pm to proceed to the funeral pavilion. The service will be at 1:15 pm. Masks should be worn.

Following the funeral people will gather at the Shilala home at 3500 So. King St., Lot 123, Denver, Colorado 80236-6195.

Contacts:

Cindi 720-501-7434

Cheri 916-990-5431