Jasen Maria Barbarich

With deep sadness I announce the passing of my beloved, dear friend, Jasen M. Barbarich, at Arroyo Seco, NM. She lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Born in Croatia, as a 2-year-old child her family immigrated to Argentina when the Communists took over Croatia, one of several Yugoslavian federal republics during War II.

In 1971 she was the recipient of the Canada Council Award for Arts and humanities. The award is presented to the most promising young student in graduate school in a Canadian university and presented by the governor-general of Canada in Ottawa.

A multi-lingual academician, Jasen had taught and done research in contemporary Latin American literature at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. 

She studied Linguistics and Comparative Literature; Spoke Six Language, Spanish, Croatian, Italian, French, English, Portuguese; Could read and translate from Latin and Classical Greek; was a Psychic, Spiritual Reader & Advisor, was a Professor at UNM and, an educator at Española Public Schools. A very passionate lady, loved football soccer and knew just about the lives of most players on European teams, and of course, the Argentinian teams. Was very proud of players like Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, Maradona, Pelé, and was deeply emotional about the fight against racism in sport in Spain, especially the racist abuse of Brazilian player Vinicius Jr.

I enjoyed listen to stories about members of her family, she would go on for hours, over the phone, with stories about Janko, her uncle, a bishop who was the confessor of Pope Juan XXIII, about her grandfather, a Croatian diplomat and champion chess player beating a Russian top player and, his photographic memory and ability to draw maps after flying over in an airplane.

She was very proud of compatriot Nikola Tesla inventions, about his Croatian roots and how the Croatian army stopped the Turks from invading Italy and take over the Vatican.

She knew a lot about astrology. she would advise me about Mercury retrograde and birth signs. As I write this obituary, I feel her presence over me dictating what to write, she was a very, very remarkable person.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Michael Barbarich and brother Janko, survived by her son Michael Barbarich, Michigan grandson Michael Barbarich Jr., nieces and a wide circle of devoted friends.

RIP, my dear friend. I'll carry your laugh and memories with me always. Rest peacefully, Vaya con Dios, Kreni s Bogom, Repose en paix, forever in my Heart, Adiós.

Xavier Mendez MA, Artist.