Barbara Kazen

Barbara Ann Kazen, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and a dedicated civic leader, ended her earthly journey and passed into eternity on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. She died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barbara was born in Abilene, Texas on January 03, 1941, the eldest child of James and Virginia Lee Sanders, both now deceased. She attended Texas Christian University and then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, where she met her future husband, George P. Kazen. They were married in Abilene on October 27, 1961.

For over twenty-five years, Barbara was on the Board of the Bethany House, and served as its President from 1996 until her death. Her diligent work for the homeless also resulted in her involvement with: the Laredo FEMA Board of Directors, a charter member of the Laredo Homeless Coalition, a Director of the Texas Homeless Network, and a Director of the United Way. In earlier times, she was a member and President of the Women's City Club and the Mercy Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. She also portrayed Martha Washington during the Washington's Birthday Celebration of 1989, and was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Her many awards include: Laredo Commission for Women "Hall of Fame", LULAC #12 "Tejano Achiever", Seven Flags Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Catholic War Veterans, Memorial Post 1908 "Woman of the Year", Laredo March of Dimes "Lady of the Year", Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1973, and the 2010 Outstanding Texas Local Leader at the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute Annual Forum.

She is survived by her husband; her four children, George D. (Mary) Kazen, John A. (Hayley) Kazen, Elizabeth A. (Michael) Flores of Laredo, and Gregory S. (Marcinda) Kazen of McAllen; and her nine beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, James Lee Sanders, currently living in Hungary, and her sisters, Judith (Edward) Compton of Albany, Texas and Virginia "Bitsy" (Larry) Dotin of Detroit, Texas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a donation to the Bethany House of Laredo, 819 Hidalgo, or offer Masses for her at a church of your choice.