Barbara Garvie Hummell

Barbara "Birdie" Hummell, 81, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025 in Bulverde, Texas. Born on July 24, 1943, in New York, New York, Barbara lived a life filled with compassion, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

Barbara earned her undergraduate degree from St. Joseph's College (now Mount St. Mary's University) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She later pursued graduate studies at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Her dedication to helping others led her to a fulfilling career as a social worker with the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation, where she served for over 15 years before retiring.

A devout Catholic, Barbara's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She lived out her beliefs through generous support of the church and its charities, as well as women and family resource centers and local community groups. Her spiritual commitment was evident not only in her charitable giving but also in how she treated others-with kindness, encouragement, and joy.

Barbara will be remembered for her vivacious personality and zest for life. She had an infectious laugh and a playful spirit that brought joy to those around her. No one was spared from her good-natured teasing-a hallmark of her warm and humorous nature.

She was a loving and supportive sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Always present for her children's milestones-whether games, concerts, recitals, or school events-Barbara never missed an opportunity to cheer them on. When grandchildren came along, she embraced the role wholeheartedly: taking them to parks, attending their school functions, and cheering from the sidelines with pride.

Music held a special place in Barbara's heart. In her twenties, she taught herself to play guitar and would sing to her daughters Jennifer and Gretchen when they were toddlers. Later in life, she joined the church choir at St. Joseph's in York, Pennsylvania. Even as memory loss began to affect her later years, Barbara continued to sing-at mass and alongside musicians at Bella Groves-living up to her nickname "Birdie." Without a doubt, she has now joined the choirs of angels in heaven.

Barbara also found peace and strength through yoga and Tai Chi-practices that nurtured both body and mind throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughters Jennifer Jones and Gretchen Bonser; sons-in-law Darren Jones and Brandon Bonser; grandchildren Leah, Garrett, Taylor, Reeve, and Ryder; and sister June Livinghouse.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Steven Hummell; parents Barbara and Andrew Garvie; sister Tina Bertolet; and brother William Garvie.

Barbara "Birdie" Hummell leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, faith-and an enduring example of how to live fully with grace and joy. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A funeral mass will be held on August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, Honey Creek Chapel, 25781 State Highway 46 West in Spring Branch, TX. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 1, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM at the Bonser family residence, 1345 Palmetto Point, Spring Branch, TX. All are welcome.