Barbara Klarich Bryant
December 19, 1931- April 9, 2016

How does one sum up a life well-lived and well-loved in a few words and paragraphs? It is not an easy task when the person being remembered was one of many facets and dimensions–full of life.

The woman we called wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois by John and Teresia Klarich. Her older sister Polly was often at her side. Barbara relocated to Chicago to attend nursing school where she received her RN pin and cap. She was a compassionate and skilled obstetrics nurse at Lying-In Hospital. Chicago is also where, on a blind date, she met her husband of 60 years William (Bill) Bryant. They bore three children in rapid succession: John, Ann (spouse Fred) and Chris (spouse Robyn). In these children, Barbara instilled a deep love of reading, learning, and exploring.

Though Yankee born and bred, Barbara quickly embraced the Southern life upon their move to Texas. Known throughout the community as a cook and hostess extraordinaire, she loved to entertain Bill’s students and colleagues. They traveled the world together and saw places and experienced cultures many only dream of seeing and doing.

Barbara was an avid collector of beautiful things: crystal, Dept. 56 Christmas houses, antiques and jewelry. She cultivated orchids and knitted amazing works before her vision failed.

This special woman was a fiercely loyal friend to many and a mischievous role model to her adoring grandchildren: William David, Stephen, Benjamin, Christina and Alexander. She is now a guardian angel for her great-grandson Bode. Barbara will be remembered for generations to come.

A funeral mass will be held on May 16, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bryan, Texas. All are welcome to attend.