Having lived a blessed and wonderful life of 105 years, Louise peacefully passed on the evening of February 8, 2008. She was born to Herbert Brown and Elizabeth Lord Brown. Louise spent her childhood in Houston, Velasco-Freeport and graduated high school in Bay City, Texas. Following her mother's death, she left the University of Texas to help her father care for her younger sister, Betty. She married Leonard Alexander Barr upon his return from U.S. Army service in France during World War I. After their four children were grown they lived in Mexico, Sicily, Germany and several states before settling in Bay City, Texas where they were active in community life and St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Leonard died in 1977 after a beautiful marriage of 56 years. Louise spoke several languages, wrote two books and inspired many with her love, boundless optimism, kindness and wisdom. Louise's loving family includes, present and past, siblings Rev. Lawrence Lord Brown and wife Anna, Ruth and Harry Webb and family, Betty and Lloyd Farr and family, Herbert Brown, Jr. and family. Children, Leonard, Jr. and Minerva Barr and family, Cliff and Lucy Barr and family, Bob Barr, Nancy Barr and Barbara Barr and family, Betty and N.G. Norton and Gary Wagner and family. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, by thirteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and has had the pleasure of seeing and holding several of her grandchildren's grandchildren. Louise had many friends at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin where she was an active member. Friends Janie Rivera, Bertha Riojas and Jennifer Lynn supported her with loving care at Westminster Healthcare during the last several years. The family appreciates the kindness and companionship of the residents and staff at Westminster Manor in Austin. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Westminster Manor Chapel conducted by The Reverend Rhoda Montgomery of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Burial will be at a time to be determined in Van Vleck, Texas at the side of her husband, Leonard Alexander Barr. Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin. Obituary and guestbook online at http://wcfish.com

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 2/10/2008.