Barbara B. Gross

Four traits remained constant throughout Barbara’s nine decades of life: her thirst for knowledge; appreciation of music; her love of family; and her deep faith and love of God.

Barbara, as a young girl, would follow her father and sister to school, certain that she was old enough to attend. Each day, her father would stop his walk and say, “Barbara, go home.” As a working mother, Barbara completed three master degrees with focus in education and theology. She taught for numerous years in parochial schools, initially as an elementary reading specialist and later as a high school religion teacher.

Barbara loved classical music, specifically symphonies, string music and opera. During her later years, Barbara suffered from dementia, but still enjoyed Luciano Pavarotti and other acclaimed opera tenors and sopranos. She rocked in a recliner, clapping her hands with a gigantic smile, when listening to her favorite music.

As a shy, reserved soul, Barbara often privately sang, while playing her piano in our living room. Ray, Barbara’s husband, located a 1908 Steinway grand piano, for Barbara’s enjoyment. As children, we would place our ear against the adjoining wall to listen to her beautiful voice. During her last decade, the sound of her laughter was music and joy.

Barbara’s heart was always directed towards heaven. She completely her daily duties with a quiet grace. Barbara physically gave of herself to others, without questioning, and often anonymously donated to needy causes. She died quickly and peacefully, listening to Christian music, flying into the arms of her Father.

She is survived by five children and their spouses, Ellen Gross Hetherington (Pete), Susan Ann Gross (Daniel Boutte), Mary Gross Cherry (Adam), R. Daniel Gross (Mary Dawson), and John David Gross (Merik Spiers), in addition to twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ray H. Gross (Father’s Day 2024), her daughter, Barbara Gross Sauce, her sister, Claire Bienvenu Beslin and parents, Elmo J. Bienvenu and Stephanie Labbe Bienvenu.

A funeral Mass, for Barbara and her husband Ray, will be held at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, St. Martinville, Louisiana, on August 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm.