Barbara Breaux Bryan

Barbara Jean Breaux Bryan passed away peacefully Sunday evening February 16, 2020. She is survived by her children Sally Ann Bryan, Nancy Bryan Roberts (Bill), James Scott Bryan, Paul Lyons Bryan (Lisa), grandchildren Justin Touchstone, Amy Yarbrough (Brandon), Emily Touchstone, Savannah Bryan, Jackson Bryan, Brooke Bryan, nephews Brett Abadie, Andre’ Abadie (Rachel), and great nephew Brennan Abadie. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Donald James Breaux, Lucille Dever Breaux, sister Ann Elizabeth Abadie, brother in law Harold Abadie and nephew Jaime’ Abadie.

Barbara was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She loved music and dance. She took her first ballet lesson at 3 years old and continued throughout high school. She took piano lessons from a very early age and won numerous awards for music theory and competitions. Barbara was a Gatorette majorette at LaGrange High School and Homecoming maid. She enjoyed a lifelong friendship with best friend Dale Ann Leaman-Woolbert from the time they met in the 1st grade. They played with dolls, rode horses, crawfished and played the piano together. They served as maid of honor in each other’s weddings. They corresponded throughout their entire life with weekly letters and phone calls. There was an un-mailed letter to Dale Ann at Barbara’s bedside when she passed away. They were truly the best of friends. Barbara enjoyed a typical happy Louisiana childhood with her sister Ann and very close cousin Bob Bader (Gayle). Bob says his happiest memories of childhood were spending time with Barbara and Ann at Lucille and Donald’s home in Lake Charles. He remembers their home at 104 Oak Lane and riding their horse named “Paint”. Donald (Papa) built Ann and Barbara a play house in the back yard with a divider down the middle so they had their own space. When Bob was allowed to spend the night Papa would serve the children coffee milk in bed the next morning. Coffee milk consisted of scalded cream, lots of sugar and a little coffee! He recalled crawfishing with bacon tied on a string in a ditch near their home, crabbing off their dock on Lake Charles and that Barbara would get the giggles at the dinner table and they’d all break into uncontrollable laughter. They went to street dances (Fay do do’s), double dated, went to Gator’s drive in and took a long family trip throughout Florida in 1953. They were truly like brother and sisters. Barbara, Ann and Bob kept in touch throughout their adult lives.

Barbara attended McNeese State University where she studied secretarial science. She performed in numerous theatrical productions, piano recitals, was a member with friend Dale Ann Leaman of the Alpha Zeta Phi sorority, was the Deacons Darling, Princess to the Cotton Festival at Ville Platte, represented the City of Lake Charles in Louisiana’s Cotton Festival, was an ROTC sponsor, a Freshman Court Maid, Homecoming Court Freshman Maid, Candidate for the Rodeo Queen, a member of the Commerce Club, Secretary of the Sophomore Class at McNeese State University and represented Calcasieu Parish in the Acadian Bicentennial celebration.

Barbara married Mac Bryan in 1955 and they resided in Lake Charles where their first child Sally Ann Bryan was born. They moved to Alexandria Louisiana in 1959 where Nancy, Scott and Paul were born. Barbara made cherished friendships with the Kramers, Cottons and the Lauves and continued to correspond for many years. Barbara and Mac moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1969 where Barbara was a home-maker, played bridge, volunteered with the American Cancer Society and at the children’s schools. Her children remember her beautiful piano playing and music being a wonderful memory in their home. Barbara could break out into a tap dance in a moment and had that ballerina perfect posture. Her children loved playing in her college formal gowns and majorette outfits. Barbara took the children to musicals throughout their childhood. Barbara was a loving and devoted mother. Barbara returned to her home town of Lake Charles in 1974 where she worked and re-connected with friends and family. She provided sitting services to the aging parents of friends (Burkes and VanNorman’s). Barbara enjoyed painting, needlework and corresponding. Barbara was known to all for her letter writing and thank you notes. Her sister in law, Sue (Bryan) Ragusa says from the first time she met Barbara until the last time she saw her (Barbara) was always a lady. She stated she was always kind and her letters were perfect.

Barbara returned to Pensacola, Florida in 2000 and made her home there until her passing. Her children are so very thankful for the gift of a loving mother. She loved her family and friends and always had a kind word. She was always available when you had something to share. She was always trying to keep the family connected to their roots, cousins and their past because she found strength there. She was a devoted Catholic and her daily routine included prayers, devotions, rosary and confession. She knew her time was near and helped her family in her own loving way to prepare for it. She will be dearly missed. She knew how to make everyone feel special. She lit up when you came in the room. She was a true friend, loving mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and grandmother.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff and care givers at Southern Oaks retirement home who lovingly cared for her over the last 5 years. Special love and thanks to her roommate Theresa for being such a loving roommate, to St. Johns altar society for reaching out to her over the years and thanks to Deacon Jerry, Deacon Don Krehely and others that have visited and encouraged her in her faith over the years. Your loving service is so greatly appreciated. Her cousin, Rick Emmett created an exhaustive genealogy and gave a copy to Barbara that she loved and shared with her children. She was so thankful for the cards, letters and visits she received from all of her dear friends and family.

Pall bearers will be James Scott Bryan, Paul Lyons Bryan, Justin Touchstone, Bill Roberts, Rick Emmett and Andre’ Abadie.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home 1985 W Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534. Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Service 11:00 – 12:00 PM.