Barbara B Flynn

"The choirs singing in heaven sound sweeter today since Barbara Flynn joined them on April 6, 2018." Music was her life and she shared that passion with countless others over her long life.

Barbara Browning Flynn was born on April 23, 1929, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Mary Vivian (Esther) Heffington and Clyde Browning, Sr. When she was young, Barbara's parents gave her the choice to pursue tap dancing or piano lessons. She chose piano, and it became her life-long passion. In 1944, at the age of 15, Barbara traveled alone to New York to prepare for her future enrollment in the Julliard School of Music. She graduated from Julliard in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Piano. Barbara continued her studies at Mills College in Oakland, California, for two years where she was privileged to study composition with Darius Milhaud.

Soon thereafter, Barbara accepted an assignment as a traveling music teacher for the Monterey School Districts. In Monterey, Barbara met the love of her life, Lt. Robert Flynn, at a "Maids and Braids" dance at the Presidio of Monterey. Their first date was Mass at the Carmel Mission followed by breakfast at The Village Corner. This kicked off a whirlwind and lifelong romance that lasted 58 years. Robert and Barbara were married June 13, 1959, and their happy union produced five children, Christina, Robert, Jr., Joseph, John, and Justin. Robert's career with Bechtel Corporation brought the family from California to Texas, where they resided in Shenandoah for many years. Barbara continued her career teaching elementary school where she taught many subjects including math, English, and music. In 2013, Robert and Barbara returned to the Monterey Peninsula to "step back in time" and enjoy the sights, sounds, and old haunts of their beginnings together. They left many great friends behind upon their return to Texas in 2016.

Barbara's passion for music played a central role in her life. She happily shared her love of music with
everyone who wished to partake. Robert and Barbara worked many years together in ministry as Deacon and Music Director at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish in The Woodlands. She introduced music to the lives of many people through private piano lessons.

Barbara had an indomitable and optimistic spirit that served her well as she lived 10 courageous years with Parkinson's Disease. She lived her life boldly and fearlessly, open to adventure, believing women could do anything, seeking the good in others, handling challenges with grace and laughter, and always supported by her faith. May she rest in peace.

Barbara is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jaqueline Renee' Flynn.

Barbara's memory will be cherished by her survivors, her devoted husband of 58 years, Robert Flynn, Sr., her brother, Clyde and wife Beverly (Sulphur Springs); daughter Christina Flynn Weber, and husband Gary (Peekskill, New York); and sons Robert, Jr., and wife Rosa (Vallejo, California); Joseph, and wife Maria (Spring, Texas); John, and wife Helen; and Justin, and wife Wendy; and eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Creed, Boone, Gabriel, Kade, Margaret (Molly), Katherine (Kiki), and Noah.

The family would like to thank many who helped care for Barbara: Matea Garcia from Comfort Keepers, the staff and caregivers of the Cottages of Carmel, and the staff and caregivers at The Isle at Watercrest. The family also extends their appreciation to the Eucharistic Ministers from St. Thomas Aquinas who brought communion to Barabara: Diane Lestina, Beth Stus, and Erin Dvorak.

Visitation will be held at Hillier Funeral Home in College Station on Thursday, April 12, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 13 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Additional services will take place at future dates in The Woodlands, Texas, and in Monterey, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice.