Barbara Burum

1939 - 2017

Barbara Burum
1939-2017
Barbara Burum went home to join her heavenly family Wednesday, June 7, leaving her earthly family mourning her loss. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister sincerely devoted to her family.
As a young woman Barbara worked for the Texas Department of Agriculture while her young husband, Johnny, studied engineering at the University of Texas. After they started a family, she made raising her children her number one job. Claire, Marla, Caroline and John III were born after the young couple settled in southwest Houston. Barbara also invested her time and talents with her grandchildren over many years, having a meaningful influence and contribution to the men and women they became as they grew.
Later, Barbara worked at Stop, Look and Learn bookstore and Harris County Psychiatric Center. Barbara remarked more than once how you have to be ready for anything on the job. Her calm manner and natural warmth must have been a comfort to those in distress.
Barbara had a terrific memory and loved games such as cards, scrabble and bridge. Friends who sat down to a game of hearts with her soon discovered how her facility with numbers gave her an extra advantage at cards and game strategy. Friends and family had to be ready to team up - 3 against 1 - to prevent Barbara from "shooting the moon" every hand in Hearts.
Although Barbara's last several years were filled with physical challenges, she never lost her southern gentility. She made it a point to express her gratitude to her caregivers, never forgetting her manners or their names even as she was living with chronic pain. She was grateful to all family and those who spent time with her or cared for her.
Barbara is survived by her children, their spouses and partners, her grandchildren (Alec, Sophie, Eleanor, Graham, Sydney, Max, Liana, and Jonathan), her remaining sisters (Neva and Sandra), numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and many close friends.
Friends and family will honor Barbara's memory Saturday, June 10th, at 10 am, in the Chapel at Holly Hall Retirement Community, 2000 Holly Hall St, Houston, TX 77054 In lieu of flowers, please honor your favorite charities.