Maria Barrows-Crist 1952 - 2017

The South Lake Tahoe community has lost someone who touched many lives, especially the over 6,700 young ones she cared for through her day care center, Kindertown.

Maria Rose Barrows-Crist was born January 18, 1952 and died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 22, 2017. She died peacefully in her sleep.

Recently retired, she was busy spending time and traveling with her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Maria served our country in the Army for 4 years. She moved to South Lake Tahoe, Ca. in the mid 70’s where she married, opened Kindertown, and started her family. Many of the children she cared fore were still in Maria’s everyday life. She also worked part time for over 30 years at Bank of the West.

She leaves behind 3 children: Cory (Chelsea) Crist, Adrienne (John) McSwain, Thomas Crist and fiancé Lauren Curry, grandchildren Ian, Emma, Ellie (the light of her life!), mother Filomena Maria Morlando Barrows, siblings Matt (Nan) Barrows, Michele (John) Moelder, Annette Barrows, Steve and fiancé Michelle Tasber, Angela Sorrentino (Myra Sparks), Nina (Ray) Sylvester. Also many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her dear friend, Sherry Perasso and family. She joins her deceased father Matt, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Maria will always be remembered as a bigger than life person, passionate about her children, family, and the love of God.

Rest in peace Maria, until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Sierra Community Church in South Lake Tahoe. There will be a nursery for children 3 and under. The service will be long and very crowded, so you may want to make daycare arrangements for your children over age 3. Also, please consider carpooling due to the lack of parking on Sierra Blvd and in Sierra Tract.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Crist Family Memorial Fund at Bank of the West 2161 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.