Barbara Lee Githens

Barbara Githens was a career woman, a mother, a wife, a sister and a thoughtful friend. She was born July 28th, 1959 in Sacramento, the daughter of Dolores and Henry Githens. She attended Cottage Elementary, Jonas Salk Middle School, and Encina High School and graduated early in the top of her class. She attended the University of the Pacific and graduated from CSU, Chico with degrees in Liberal Arts and Spanish. Barbara was passionate about education and excelled as a teacher of English and History in Hamilton City before returning to Sacramento where she taught within the Washington Unified School District. Her dedication to working with underserved families and growing in her career led to her completion of a masters program at CSU, Sacramento and shortly after she was promoted to principal of Evergreen Elementary School in West Sacramento. Barbara spent 8 fulfilling years as a principal at Whitney Avenue Elementary where she adored her coworkers and the families she served. She retired in 2014 and continued teaching as a substitute for years after.

In addition to being a hard working educator, she enjoyed golfing, camping, visiting with friends and family, spending time with her daughter Natalie in Southern California, vacationing on the Oregon Coast, watching Niners games, and enjoying motorcycle rides and the solitude of nature on the Rogue River with her husband Dave.

Barbara will forever be remembered for her caringness of others, her love for her family and friends, the laughter and fun times she shared, and even her attention to grammar. She wanted the best for everyone around her and was deeply loved. Barbara was strong, successful, resilient, kind, considerate, funny, and Lived Every Day. Her spirit lives on through the lives she touched in her many chapters of life.

Barbara was passionate about helping veterans get the services they need and requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to American Legion or Make a Wish Foundation.

Barbara's Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at 11:30 am at the Veterans Memorial Building, Carmichael Park.

Donation Links:

https://donate.stripe.com/aEUg0h57GdhibXGcMQ

https://secure2.wish.org/site/SPageNavigator/dfr_landing.html?chid=012-000