Barbara Briggs Arneson

Barbara was born and spent her very early years in the Rio Grande Valley but her family soon moved to San Antonio where she spent the rest of her full and vibrant years. She graduated from Saint Mary’s Hall and Pine Manor Junior College and shortly thereafter met and married Richard Arneson. Though their marriage ended, their deep friendship remained.

In those ninety-six years she was affectionally known by two nicknames. The first, “Bubbles”, was given to her by her closest friends - her “golfing buddies” - all of whom most certainly greeted her enthusiastically upon her arrival in heaven! The other, and the one which of which she was the proudest and treasured the most was “Meme”, a name that was conferred upon her by her first grandchild and the one by which she has been called by every family member since.

Everyone who knew her will have their own unique memories of times with her. That being said, there are some things that will undoubtedly stand out to all. She had a laugh that was both distinctive and infectious and which could, without necessarily being loud, fill a room. She loved celebrating special occasions, most especially hosting and planning them which she did with infinite detail and attention. Never wanting the attention drawn to herself, it was clear that her goal was always to make sure that all who came felt individually and specifically welcome, comfortable and above all, happy. Hallmarks of these events were her “party favors” which were chosen with intention and which can be best described as being in a category all their own. She was generous beyond measure, again never wanting attention or credit but rather, simply and unquestionably, to meet any need she saw, and in that regard she was resolute. Above all she was steadfastly devoted to her family and that is the invaluable legacy we will all carry with us.

She was a member of The San Antonio Country Club, The Argyle Club and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Ann Arneson Allen and Lynn Arneson; by her grandchildren, Elizabeth Stephens (Scott), Scott Allen (Becca), Matthew Bewley (Julia) and Logan Bewley (Ayaka); and by five great-grandchildren, Lucy, Ada and Briggs Stephens and Harris and Olivia Allen. She was predeceased by her father, Robert W. Briggs Sr.; her mother, Louise Jetton Briggs; her sister, Mary Briggs Bridge; her brother, Robert W. Briggs. Jr.; her niece, Barbara Bridge; her son in law, Gus Allen; and her great grandson, Gus Owen Stephens.

The family is immensely grateful to Dr. Mark Thornton; to Irene and Nora from AA Care Services; to the team from Amedysis Hospice; and most especially to her caregivers: Rita, Betty, Priscilla, Pammy, Evelyn, Mary Ann, Ethel and Juan for their heartfelt and unwavering devotion.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, Texas 78209. The Reverend Irving Cutter, officiating.

Donations in Barbara’s honor may be made to The University Hospital Pediatric Palliative Care Unit or to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.