Barbara Ann Carreon Chadwell died on August 13, 2022, four months to the day after her husband of almost 70 years, Charles Herbert Chadwell III had died. Barbara was surrounded near and far by her family and those that loved her during her final days.

Barbara was born in San Antonio, Texas February 10, 1930. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Nettie Ivy Lampkin Carreon, her father Ray Carreon, and her brother Charles Ray.

Barbara grew up in the midst of the great depression and there were many challenges she faced during those times. She, however, cultivated a grace and dignity during that time which she carried throughout her life. She never forgot where she came from and always had an eye on where she was going. Barbara's compassion for those who struggled was deeply engrained in her soul and she passed that along to all that met her during her 92 years.

In April, 1952, while a registered nurse at the Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Barbara went on a blind date with Charlie Chadwell. She could not recall the movie they saw because they talked the entire way through. Their second date was NIOSA during Fiesta and she described being with Charles as "electric." On Jun 10, 1952 Charles proposed and she accepted and they were married on August 30, 1952 ( four months after their first date). 70 years together produced 5 children (Ann, Cindy, Mary, Charles IV, and John), their spouses, 12 grandchildren and their spouses and 23 great grandchildren added over those wonderful years.

Barbara graduated from Fox Tech High School in San Antonio and remained close friends for life with many of her classmates. She obtained her RN through the Baptist hospital at 20 years old and attended Trinity University for some of her classwork. She worked as a nurse in many capacities including a floor nurse, psychiatric, school, tuberculosis, hospice and many other nursing areas. She was not one to shy away from any challenge and had tremendous bravery and resilience that carried her through many obstacles. She did all that while raising a family and encouraging Charles.

In 1962 and in 1971 Charles had serious bouts with cancer. Barbara was the strength of the family during these difficult times and led the family with an example of perseverance. She maintained that leadership throughout her life and was encouraging all to be their best selves.

Barbara cultivated the arts as well. She was an avid reader and wanted to share the joy of reading. She taught many adults to read through literacy programs and was an advocate of libraries all her life. Most recently, the New Braunfels Public Library. Carrying a library card was just as important as carrying identification. Barbara loved all kinds of music and was involved in music clubs wherever she lived. She also loved visual arts and was a very gifted painter. Her greatest joy came from teaching others to enjoy the arts. She established that in all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a result of that, her progeny is full of artists, musicians, poets, gardeners, naturalists, creators, and teachers of art and literature.

As her children left her lovely home, Barbara continued to grow and expand her own horizons. In 1987 she graduated with a BA from Lander College in Greenwood, SC. She helped establish the hospice program in Laurens County, SC.

Barbara's parents separated when she was young and her connection to her brother and father drifted apart. She remained very close to her mother until her death in 1962. Barbara was able to reconcile with her father and brother prior to their deaths and she found peace in that.

When Charles retired in 1994, Barbara and Charles returned to Texas and settled in New Braunfels, Texas. When they purchased their new home there were no trees and the grass was just sod. Barbara and Charles created a wonderful home inside and out. Barbara was the host of many gatherings of wildflower lunches, Friends of the Library, Music Club and neighbors. Barbara was so fond of friends and visitors to her home. When one would leave their home, there was a feeling of connection as family.  Barbara made everyone feel welcome and cared for.

She particularly loved having tea with anyone but especially her granddaughters. Each granddaughter had a special connection with "Grannie." Her grandsons were special to her as well. She reveled in their strength as they grew into wonderful men. All her grandchildren have some story of taking a bath in Grannie's glamour tub, going to the library, the movies or especially the thrift store.

Barbara was a woman that could make the common experiences of life uncommonly special. "You can't beat that," as she liked to say.

A memorial service is being planned for when the weather is cooler as she would have wanted. She chose to be cremated and will be interred at Ft Sam Houston with Charles.

In lieu of flowers the family would request that donations be made to The New Braunfels Public Library in Barbara's memory.