Barbara Frances Mallia

Barbara Frances Van Zandt Mallia, 86, of Galveston, Texas passed away on August 4, 2025. She peacefully passed into the loving arms of our Lord. Barbara was the daughter of Robert and Ella Mae Van Zandt, and she was born on December 4, 1938. She attended Ursuline High School. She married the love of her life, Eddie, when she was nineteen years old.
Barbara's faith was an important, active part of her life. She was successful at being a strong spiritual influence on her kids, grandkids, and everyone she encountered. She led different prayer groups and even led prayer and meditation for the O'Connell football team. She helped manage her husband's dental practice, was involved in all of her children's schools and activities and served on various boards. Since it first formed during her High School years, she was a member of the TDB sorority and cherished both the couple poker nights and her lifelong friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ella Mae Van Zandt, brother Robert Van Zandt, and her husband, Dr. Edward Mallia. She is survived by her sister, Virginia Van Zandt Roberts and husband, Lt. Col. David Roberts; son Mark Mallia, son Wayne Mallia and wife Sherry, daughter Cindy Mallia Spangler, son Jimmy Mallia, daughter Carol Mallia Doyle and husband Mike; grandchildren Corey Mallia, Maddie Mallia, Callie Spangler, Riley Spangler, Lindsay Mallia Ward and husband Lawrence, Kaitlyn Mallia Dorsey and husband Kyler, Audrey Mallia Norton and husband Jeff, Brooke Doyle and Jake Doyle; great grandchildren Harper Richard, Greyson Gerami, Emerson Mallia and Elias Mallia.
Barbara provided a helping hand and a spiritual presence to anyone in her path. She never failed to hold space in her life for her family, her friends, and her faith. Providing prayer groups, masses in her home, financial help, labor, and a place for those in need are some of the many examples of her loving heart and dedication to helping those around her. She taught her family to treat others with kindness, grace, and humor. This example continued until passing. The staff at Rosewood, her assisted living home, frequently remarked on how Barbara always said, "thank you" and praised them on the "good job" they were doing. She provided them with daily hugs and laughter, and left them with a piece of the loving person she was. Barbara's time on earth is cherished by all who had the opportunity to cross her path.
Barbara's family will receive visitors from 4:30 to 6:00 pm Friday, August 8, 2025, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home (Galveston, TX) with a rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. memorial mass will be at 11:00 am Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with interment following at Calvary Cemetery in Galveston.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Doyle, Jake Doyle, Corey Mallia, David John Roberts, David Mallia, Bill Huvar, Mike Huvar, and Doug Huvar.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to O'Connell Preparatory School of Galveston.