Barbara A. Baxter

“When she smiles, the lines in her face become epic narratives that trace the stories of generations that no book can replace.” Barbara Ann Baxter (Chabert), 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald John Baxter, Sr. and Rita Kilian Baxter; her brothers Gerald John Baxter, Jr. and David Patrick Baxter, her sister Jane Frolich, her beloved son, William Dennis Young, the father of her children, William G. "Bill" Young and her second husband, Woodrow Chabert.

She is survived by her daughters, Terryl Hakenjos (Christopher Hakenjos, Sr., deceased) and Kelly A Young (Michael Richard, deceased); her sister, Catherine Murphy (Dr. Michael Murphy); her grandchildren, Ryan Deffes, Christopher Hakenjos Jr. (Angie), Tara York (Blake), Spencer Richard, and Hannah Hakenjos; her great-grandchildren Chase, Hudson and Gracelyn Hakenjos, Aubriana and Zephyr York; and her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Barbara was born on October 14, 1939. She was raised in New Orleans, LA in the Irish Channel where she attended Redemptorist High School. Over the years, she lived in various areas of Metropolitan New Orleans and later moved to the Westbank where she resided in Marrero.

Barbara, a fabulous cook and baker, was most known for her scrumptious seafood gumbo and stuffed artichokes, but in reality, she didn’t know how to make a bad meal – everything she cooked was delicious, made with love, and of course without a recipe! She loved baking and making her famous heavenly hash candy! One of her favorite things to do was cook for her family and friends, then sit back and watch them enjoy her food! She delighted in the attention and compliments. It brought her tremendous joy, especially since it brought her family and friends together.

In Barbara’s early years she was a hairdresser and owned her beauty salon aptly named “The Irish Maid.” She later retired from hairdressing but continued working as a cashier at Canal Villere and then at Lakeview Fine Foods where she made many everlasting friendships with her co-workers and customers.

She loved watching football, especially her beloved Saints and the LSU Tigers, and going out to hear live music; for many years she attended the Jazz Fest annually – one of her favorite music venues.

Barbara never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone as she loved hearing about the successes or woes of others. Barbara had the most compassionate heart and was always there to offer support. She was selfless and gave her time and a helping hand without expecting anything in return. She was truly one of a kind.

Barbara will be remembered for so many things – too many to share here - but mostly for her contagious one-of-a-kind laugh, her generosity and her heart filled with love and kindness. Her family and friends will be forever grateful to her for showing us what it means to be loved unconditionally. We will carry her memories in our hearts and dreams forever. She would be happy to know that her story has become the blueprint for our love, as this was her true legacy. She will be missed dearly.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at East and West Jefferson Hospitals, at Colonial Oaks Living Center, and at Southeast LA Home Health for all of the care given to Barbara over the past several months. A special thanks go out to Dr. Rolston and Dr. Yager who took care of her for many years and to Miss Stella Galloway who supported Barbara during her home recovery these past few months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Heartbeat NOLA (www.heartbeatnola.org; 504-628-1074)

Services will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home (5100 Pontchartrain Blvd) on November 8, 2025. Visitation will be starting at 12 noon with Catholic Mass to follow at 2 pm.