Barbara K. French

French, Barbara
1/13/1953 - 4/24/2023

Barbara Kay French was born on January 13th, 1953 to Harlow and June (Banton) Brand of Omaha NE. She was the youngest of five children. The baby of the family, Barb grew up with her siblings Butch, Donna, Steve, and Jo Ann. Barb was a “tom-boy,” who, in the eyes of her siblings, got away with a lot more than they did. She graduated from Benson High School where she enjoyed home economics classes and was a member of the pep squad.

Barb met her soulmate Chuck, while in high school, and they dated for six months prior to his deployment to Vietnam. They nurtured their relationship through phone calls and letters during Chuck’s deployment. Upon his return they were married and spent the remainder of his term of service in Ft. Knox Kentucky.

After the military they moved back to Omaha and started a family, raising two boys, Josh & Dan. Barb worked as a clerk for Mangelsens and later held secretarial positions for Berkshire Hathaway and Telesystems. As a family there were many wonderful trips together, most often fishing in Minnesota. Barb’s focus was providing her family a home where love and support were abounding.

During retirement Barb enjoyed her time with family. Her and Chuck traveled and spent time going around the country down Route 66, to Costa Rica, Cancun, Bahamas, and even Italy. Barb was so thankful to spend time with her grandchildren, Kate, Grace, and Everett. Her retirement years were also spent with her best friend and sister, JoAnn, laughing, doing puzzles, and enjoying each other’s company. She even developed a love for quilting.

Barb is survived by her husband, Chuck, her son Josh and future daughter-in-law Desserae; her son Dan and daughter-in-law Jessie; her amazing grandchildren Kate, Grace, and Everett; her siblings Butch, Donna, Steve, and Jo Ann; many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. Barb is preceded in death by her father Harlow, mother June, and grandchildren Christian and Judah.

Barb lived her life with a quiet strength and even in the face of death wanted to ensure her family was okay. Barb was the center of our family and taught us all that kindness and humor were the keys to life.

FUNERAL MASS: Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10:30am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (5801 Oak Hills Dr.)

INTERMENT: Omaha National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, to make a donation in Barbara's name, please click on one of the following: St. Jude Children's Hospital , Tunnel2Towers , Unbound

Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel
6505 S. 144 St.
Omaha, NE 68137
402-895-3400