Barbara Fuentes

Barbara Fuentes Obituary A Celebration of Life for Barbara Fuentes Date: August 2, 1942 – March 21, 2021

Barbara Fuentes, was born on August 2, 1942 to the late Cornelia and Arthur Moultrie in Charleston, South Carolina. She was the third eldest of thirteen children. Bobbie, or Mrs. B., as she was affectionately known by her family and close friends, completed her education in Brooklyn, New York and received her diploma from Girls Vocational High School in 1959. She later met and married her husband Ruperto Fuentes, and through this union they raised their three daughters in Brooklyn, and later moved the family to (Briarwood) Queens.

Bobbie started her professional career at Dunn and Bradstreet before taking a role with NYC’s Department of Human Resources – Communications Workers Local 1180. She worked as an Eligibility Specialist and then moved up [on] to Medical Supervisor, a role that she undertook until retirement in 2001 after over 25 years of service.

Bobbie became a member of Mt. Ollie Baptist Church under the leadership of the late R.D. Brown. Her paternal grandmother (Rachel Minus) and mother (Cornelia Moultrie) were also faithful members. She later rejoined the church under the leadership of the Reverend S.E. Crayton, and remained an active and devoted member throughout her life. She was also a member of the S.E. Crayton Chorale and the Hospitality Club where she served diligently. Bobbie was a gifted vocalist, yet she was never interested in being in the spotlight. She simply enjoyed the art of singing and sharing her gift with others. She also enjoyed traveling with the choir and the congregation to special events and engagements.

In addition to her service to the Lord, Bobbie enjoyed spending leisurely time talking with friends in her building’s lobby, Newkirk Plaza and the Howard Houses. She held these communities of friends close to her heart. She also enjoyed traveling, Broadway musicals and watching Steve Harvey’s game show – Family Feud. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping (handbags and shoes), and she never missed an opportunity to share her findings with others. She also loved pampering herself each month with a manicure and pedicure at her favorite local nail salon.

Bobbie was generous, sincere, dedicated, kind and decisive. She always knew what she wanted out of life. All who knew Bobbie well knew that she did not settle for less than she wanted. She made it known that she was a very fussy eater, and, as such, did not care for any leftovers, not even her own! Her food was to be freshly prepared and consumed on the very same day it was made. Unlike most of the human population, Bobbie did not have a taste for chicken -- in any form! She always let it be known whenever chicken was on the menu, she preferred pork chops or ham. If Bobbie was your guest, then you knew to have on hand either a cold Pepsi or Ginger Ale, with a straw – and no ice, please! When she cooked for family gatherings, she always prepared her signature tuna macaroni salad and brought it with her to each event (as requested!). She may have been a creature of habit, but Bobbie sure was at peace with who she was and what she wanted in her life.

On Sunday, March 21, 2021, the Lord decided that Bobbie’s work here on earth was done, and so he called her into eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memories her three children, Darlene Montalvo (John); Robin Tucker (Dennis); Kim Johnson Smith (Michael); five grandchildren: Shakeema, Gregory, Brittany, Javon and Brandon; four great-grandchildren: Davion, Giovanni, Aliana and Ameena; three sisters; Wilhelmena, Rachel and Gwendolyn; one brother in-law George; her goddaughter Kisha Lewis; her best friend Amelia Harrison; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

We will listen for your voice, you have taught us well, we know what we must do and will get it done. You will be forever missed.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7

Pallbearers: John Montalvo Dennis Tucker Michael Smith Gregory Moultrie Javon Montalvo Brandon Johnson Smith

Acknowledgements

The family of Barbara Fuentes would like to express their deepest gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness and support extended to them during their time of bereavement, Thanks to every one of you for your love and condolences. May God bless each of you, and may God Keep you in his care. 

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