Barbara was born and raised on the family farm in Ellinger, Texas. Farm life taught her humility and to work hard. And Barbara learned to appreciate fun — food, music, and dancing — from her family and friends among the traditions of her small Czech community. She graduated with honors from La Grange High School in 1954 where her lifelong love of writing and wordplay took root. Barbara then moved to Houston where she worked as an executive secretary in the oil and gas industry and later found her calling as a legal secretary, working for her cousin Jacob J Walla, Esq.
She was a founding member of St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church where she served as volunteer administrator and informal historian for over a decade. The St Catherine family was the foundation of Barbara’s strong faith and vibrant social life for more than 45 years. Barbara also worked for the KJT and KJZT Fraternal Benefit Societies for many years, as recording secretary and helping to organize and run their state conventions. Barbara was a generous and unassuming benefactor to many charitable organizations around the Spring Branch community.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome Henry Haluska and Edna Marie (Walla) Haluska, of Ellinger, and by her infant son, John Edward Hrachovy. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Charlie, and her daughters and their spouses: Susan and Gary Storemski; Carol and Kurt Boyle, all of Houston. Barbara found great pride and joy in being grandmother to Lilli and Kyle Storemski and Cate and Elizabeth “Izzy” Boyle. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Lee Haluska and his wife, Kathryn, of Columbus, Texas. She leaves behind a large extended family including many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2021 at Waltrip Funeral Directors. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Rite of Committal to follow at 2:00 p.m., St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery, Ellinger, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to a local charity of your choice.
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