Rena Frances Barcelona Oetter

Rena Frances Barcelona Oetter, age 88, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, following a prolonged illness. She was born on December 23, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Angelo Barcelona and Yola Hulin Barcelona Roth.

Rena met the love of her life, Donald L. Oetter, at the age of 16, and they were married in New Orleans in 1955. Together they shared 62 devoted years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering commitment. Donald preceded her in death, but their enduring bond remains a lasting legacy.

Rena was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Susan of Louisville, Kentucky, and Maria of Houston, Texas; her beloved sons-in-law, Sam and James; six cherished grandchildren; and five treasured great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Angelo Barcelona Jr., her sister-in-law Carol Barcelona along with numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; and her oldest brother, Richard Barcelona.

Rena was raised and educated in New Orleans, attending St. Stephens Catholic School. She and her husband began their life together there before his career with Shell Oil Company took the family to Ramsey, New Jersey and ultimately to Houston, Texas in 1970. They settled in the Spring Branch area, where they lovingly raised their family and became long-time members of the community.

A woman of deep faith, Rena was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Houston. She served on the Altar Society, participated in the Women’s Club, and generously gave her time volunteering for many parish events.

Rena was known for her many talents and passions. She was a fabulous cook, blending French and Italian influences into meals that brought her family together. She was gifted in the arts, expressing herself through painting, sewing, and her beautiful singing voice. She found joy in gardening, especially tending to her flowers, and took great pride in maintaining a warm, immaculate home and yard.

She also formed many dear and lasting friendships in Houston, especially within her close-knit neighborhood, where she was loved and admired by all who knew her.

Above all, Rena adored her family. She often said they were the center of her world, but to all who knew her, Rena herself was truly the heart of the family—steady, loving, and ever-present.

A Funeral Mass will be held on May 8, 2026, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. She will be laid to rest at Houston’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery beside her beloved husband.

Rena’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in all who were blessed to know her.