Julianne Catherine Fenton

Julianne Catherine Fenton, lovingly known as “Bobbi,” passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in Arroyo Grande, California, surrounded by her family. She was 92.

Bobbi was born on July 3, 1932, in The Bronx, New York, to Panfilo and Helen (Leaycraft) Manzitti. She grew up in The Bronx with her beloved sisters, Jeannine and Dearie, where they shared a close bond and many joyful, laughter-filled memories. From a young age, Bobbi showed a deep love for art—taking classes early in life and continuing to draw and paint throughout her years. Her creativity and zest for life would become the threads that wove through everything she did.

She met and married the love of her life and best friend, Brendan Fenton, in 1962 in New York City. Drawn by their mutual love of the ocean, they moved to East Atlantic Beach, where they built a beautiful life together and raised their two children, Brendan and Jeannine. Bobbi worked several jobs in New York, one of her favorites being a switchboard operator at The Berlitz School of Languages, where she had many memorable phone encounters with celebrities. But her true calling was nurturing others—whether it was as a preschool teacher, a religious education instructor, a scout volunteer, or simply as a loving mother and friend.

A devout Catholic, Bobbi was deeply involved in her church and community. She worked in the parish rectory, volunteered constantly at her children’s schools, and found joy in helping others. After moving to San Diego with her husband to be closer to their children, she embraced beach life with Brendan until his sudden passing in 1997—a devastating loss. Yet Bobbi remained strong, guiding her family with love, humor, and resilience.

She poured her energy into art classes, grief groups, and even a comedy improv group—where she could be her goofy, silly self. Her light drew people in, and the friendships she made in those groups often lasted a lifetime. She gave generously of her time, volunteering with Hospice and teaching art to Alzheimer’s patients—work that brought her so much fulfillment, she would often say she felt guilty receiving more than she gave.

Bobbi is survived by her beloved children, Brendan (wife Lori) and Jeannine (husband Johnny), who she often referred to as her “adopted children.” Her love for her family was boundless, and she remained especially close with them throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, an endlessly loving mom, and a doting, fun-loving mother-in-law.

Known for her adventurous spirit, sarcastic humor, love of live music, and ability to find joy in the little things, Bobbi lived her life to the fullest. She loved everything from classical to reggae to rock and roll, and nothing made her happier than singing along to a great song or discovering a new favorite tune.

She taught us to laugh, to create, to help others, and to embrace this life with open arms. Bobbi Fenton was truly one of a kind—a warm, hilarious, compassionate soul who left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

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