Anne Elizabeth Barfield

Anne Elizabeth Holcomb Barfield was born to Orville and Novelle Holcomb on October 30, 1941, in Houston, Texas. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and contributor to the community.

On August 26, 2017, Anne died of cancer at home, surrounded by her family, in San Antonio. Anne was loved dearly by her husband, Dr. Joseph Neil Barfield (Papa Joe) of San Antonio; daughter Kelly Barfield Paolini and her husband, Alain, of Denver; and son Joseph Barfield and his wife, Dee, of San Antonio; and her cherished grandchildren Louisa Paolini, Nico Paolini, Isa Barfield, and Jake Barfield; and brothers Michael Holcomb and Jim Holcomb, both of Houston.

Anne's early childhood was spent in Jacksonville, until her family moved to Alvin, Texas, where her father operated a successful furniture store. After graduation from Alvin High School in 1959, Anne entered college. Anne's zest for adventure quickly overcame her desire to finish college, and she enrolled and graduated from Weaver Airline School in Kansas City. She was immediately hired by Delta Airlines. In Mid-1961, Anne was hired by Air France as ground hostess in Houston, where she greeted passengers from Paris as the "first Texan they met." From that experience, a curiosity was sparked in Anne about Europe and beyond. Air France subsequently discontinued their Paris-Houston flight, leaving Anne without a job, but she quickly found herself flying as a stewardess for Continental Airlines.

In early 1963, while visiting her parents in Alvin, Anne had a chance meeting with her high school classmate, Joe, and a lifetime romance quickly blossomed. Anne and he were married on November 2, 1963. Alas, Anne then found herself "grounded," because in 1963, married ladies were barred from flying as stewardesses. Not to be stopped, Anne became a ticket agent for Continental Airlines, a position in which she supported herself and Papa Joe until 1972, when Papa Joe attained his PhD.

After a seven-year interlude in Los Angeles where Papa Joe attended graduate school and their children Kelly and Joe were born, the family moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1972, where Anne devoted herself to mothering her two wonderful children. While she loved being a wife and mother, when her children were in elementary school Anne took the opportunity in 1975 to renew her love affair with travel as a travel agency manager. This continued until 1981, after she and her family moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1980.

It was in San Antonio that Anne's many gifts and passions began to show themselves. Over the years, Anne became well-known for her exquisite nature photographs, her organic garden, her skills in the kitchen, and her passion on the yoga mat. Anne became involved in the community in many ways.

Anne created a business called Anne Barfield Personal Reflections, providing image assessment, color analysis, personal shopping and wardrobe assistance. Anne took great pride in helping people define their individual style and in the resulting self-confidence her clients felt in their personal and professional lives.

After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1997, Anne devoted herself to assisting others who were newly diagnosed through the local support group, serving as a resource and guide, providing leadership and inspiration. Many parents credit her with the successful transition of their children to life with Celiac. She and Papa Joe were adored by the Celiac community for their annual gluten-free Easter Egg Hunt and summer picnics. Anne worked with many local restaurants to develop gluten-free menus before that was the norm. It was very important to Anne to demystify Celiac Disease and make sure people understood that it was not a lifestyle choice but a disease with terrible consequences. In 2005, Anne and Papa Joe opened Chicken Paradise, a bed and breakfast dedicated to serving travelers with Celiac Disease and other dietary restrictions.

Anne will be remembered for her passion and devotion to her family. From epic camping trips in California, to skiing together in Colorado, and annual bike outings to see the wild flowers in the Texas Hill Country, life with her was always joyful. She and Papa Joe hosted weddings for both their children, as well as weddings, birthdays and other celebrations for family friends. Their home and gardens were known as a lovely place to relax and enjoy good food and great conversation.

A Celebration of Anne's Life is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, at 10:00 am, at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, 227 West Woodlawn Avenue, San Antonio. All are invited to attend and celebrate Anne's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you would make a donation in her name to Beyond Celiac (beyondceliac.org or 267-419-2107 or P.O. Box 514, Ambler PA 19002).