Our beloved mother, Barbara Arlene Drewitz passed away peacefully in her longtime home, with her loving family by her side, as was always her wish.

Her parents, Mary and Peter Rizzi had nine children, of which she was the youngest and only surviving family member. She was born in the home of a local maternity nurse, Mildred Quale on Hanna Street and grew up in the family home on Carmel Street. Our mom spent her entire life living in Gilroy, of which she was ever so proud.

She met the love of her life, Robert "Smedley "Drewitz, while he was in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. They married and raised three daughters, Mary Ann Winkle (Harlan), Robin Todd (Bill), and Shirley "Lee" Blaettler (John). She was also blessed with six grandchildren: Daniel Burge, Kylie Simmons, Kurt Simmons, Aaron Todd, Morgan Blaettler and Greg Ferraro, as well as eight great grandchildren. She had many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and treated her with care and respect, of which our hearts are full of gratitude.

"Bobbi" as she was fondly referred, worked hard in her life. As a little girl, she picked prunes and apricots in the nearby orchards. She worked at Wentz' Fountain (where she first met Bob,) Wells Fargo Bank, Drs. Gherini and McCormick offices. Mom and Dad opened Smedley's hamburger joint in downtown Gilroy in the late 1960's where she sold "5 Burgers for a $1"! Here, she worked so very hard, but had a heck of a good time with her teenage employees! Mom went on to have a career with the County of Santa Clara Municipal Court with over 30 years of dedicated service.

Mom and dad shared their love of sports with us girls, ensuring we all grew up to be Giants, Warriors, and 49er fans! It goes without saying that Grammie cheered on her grandchildren, during countless sports games and many road trips.

She loved to have her family over for large Italian dinners and was known for her homemade pies, especially her banana cream. She loved to sing and harmonize with her sister Gloria, dance with dad and enjoyed hosting New Year's Eve Banga Cauda Pedro parties. She also loved going to the beach, had a fondness of gambling, and traveling to Cursulo, Italy to the visit the Rizzi family home.

Our mom was a truly kind, poised, beautiful, intelligent, and elegant woman. She gathered friends easily and carried forward many treasured, lifelong friendships. This was a gift that unfolded throughout her life.

Barbara was a member of St. Mary Parish, Gilroy Elks Lodge, Women in Touch II, Gilroy Foundation, and was a Past President of Women in Chamber. She volunteered at St. Josephs, St. Mary Parish, and the Gilroy Museum. She was recognized by the Gilroy Historical Society as a "Person Who Shaped Gilroy" Heritage Homage 2020.

She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, starting at 4:00 pm, followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 pm at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Mary Church, Gilroy, followed by burial at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.

The family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph's, The Alzheimer's Association or The American Heart Association.