Barbara Frances Caufield

Barbara (Brown) Caufield, 99 years old, passed away on August 19, 2025. She was born in Ball Township, Illinois on February 28, 1926, to Clinton Brown and Ollie Mae (Reed). Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James "Jim" Caufield, her son Clyde Caufield, three sisters, and six brothers.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Anna May and son-in-law Larry Brendel, daughter-in-law Jane E. Caufield, sisters Irene Lumley and Docia Barrick, grandsons Matthew (Zareen) Brendel and Timothy (Kerry) Brendel, seven great-grandchildren: Dr. Hannah (Matthew) Proietti; and Lucas, Whitney, Audrey, Claire, Eleanor, and Olivia Brendel, numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.

Barbara had many interesting jobs. She left high school in June 1944, joining forces at the Sangamon Ordinance plant in Illiopolis where artillery ammunition and millions of shells and explosives were made. Her job was to insert fuses into the core of firebombs known as "bursters." In 1946, Barbara joined two sisters in Chicago where she worked at the Schwinn Bicycle plant welding bike frames. It was during this time she met her future husband, Jim. They were married on June 28, 1947. The following year, Barbara and Jim moved to Standard City to raise a family. Barb took a job at Prairie Glove Manufacturing in nearby Carlinville where she worked for 24 years. When she was not "on-the- job," one could find Barbara at home gardening, canning, cooking, baking, crocheting, and reading.

After her husband's passing, Barbara lived alone in Illinois for about 10 years before relocating to Garland, Texas, where she resided with Anna May and Larry for 18 years, and became an avid Rangers' fan. She enjoyed being near her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as being part of many family get togethers. Barbara enjoyed the many friends she made at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she attended Mass, played cards, and attended many of the Circle of Friends activities. She was no stranger to anyone and answered to Barbara, Barb, Barbie, "Bob," Sister, Aunt, Mommy, Mom, Grandma; but her favorite title was Gigi – she was loved by all. The family of Barbara has been so blessed with the great support system of family; friends; and health care professionals, especially her family physician Dr. Chene Smith, the wonderful staff at Red Maple Hospice, and her incredible caregiver, Paula Abuor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on August 29, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 South Jupiter Road, Richardson, TX 75081, Reverend Jacob Dankasa officiating with the assistance of Deacons Ken Steponaitis and Randy Engel. Rosary will precede the funeral service at 10:00am. Interment will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois on October 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

A reception will immediately follow the funeral Mass in the St. Joseph dining hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's honor to St. Joseph Catholic Church. 600 South Jupiter Road, Richardson, TX 75081.

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