Barbara Mendell Schroeder

Barbara Hope (Mendell) Schroeder, 87, slipped peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on March 22, 2025, in Anderson, Texas.

Born on November 28, 1937, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of Mary Elizabeth Widmeyer and Howard Edgar Mendell. She was baptized into the faith at First Baptist Church of Brenham and later became an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Navasota. Throughout her life, she was deeply involved in her church communities, serving as secretary for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (L.W.M.L.) at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 2013, she joined Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan before returning to Trinity Lutheran Church in Navasota in 2023.

On May 24, 1996, Barbara married the love of her life, Wesley Schroeder at Zion Lutheran Church in Anderson. Together, they built a wonderful life on a ranch near Anderson, where they found joy in caring for their cattle, watching the birds, and spending time with their beloved dogs amid the beauty of nature.

Barbara dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked for 18 years as a spinner at Brentex Mills in Brenham before transitioning to a career in nursing. For 24 years, she served as a nurse at Brenham State School and later continued her passion for caregiving as a private care nurse for elderly individuals in the community. Even after retirement in 1998, she remained committed to helping others by volunteering with Hospice in Brenham. Her dedication to service extended beyond healthcare—she also completed training to become a member of the Brenham Citizen Police Academy.

Barbara had a deep love of nature and took great pride in maintaining an immaculate yard. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dog Maddie, who was always by her side. Known for her engaging smile and the joyful twinkle in her eye, Barbara had a remarkable gift for making others feel special. She often sent cards and small gifts as tokens of encouragement and had a deep fondness for babies and small children.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Wesley; her sons Howard Maynard of Bay City and George "Duncan" Maynard of Delaware; her sister Avelyn Cope of Port Orange, Florida; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Connie and Richard; her children Terry and Becky; her grandson Brandon; and her great-granddaughter Taylor.

Barbara deeply cherished her friendships with Joyce Juntune and Flora “Mama James” Fleeger. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering care for others will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those whose lives she touched.

A special thanks to Susan Harris, Donna Holton, and Gandi Branch who were Barbara’s care givers.

A visitation will be on Thursday, March 27th at 9:00am and the funeral service beginning at 10am at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Conroe, TX.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.