Barbara's obituary
Barbara Rose (Gida) Marcum, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in Watsonville, California, at the age of 88.
Born on August 9, 1937, in Monterey, California, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Stanley Gida and Dolores Rose Gida. She grew up in a close and loving family, whose bonds remained strong throughout her life.
Barbara is survived by her children, Christy Astuy of Vienna, Austria, and Eric Marcum of Watsonville, California; her beloved grandson, Logan Marcum, who was her pride and joy; her brother, Gus David Martinson of Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Astuy; her siblings, Stanley Fred Gida and Kathleen Wanda Sensenderfer; and her loving partner, Noel Pittman.
Known for her warmth, style, and sharp wit, Barbara brought joy and laughter to family gatherings and left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. Her greatest happiness came from being a devoted mother and grandmother.
A memorial mass to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the small chapel at the Carmel Mission. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15–20 minutes early so that family and friends may sit together near the front. Following the mass, all are warmly invited to a memorial gathering at the home of Mary Alice and Nick Fettis.