Elvera Barbay

Elvera Langley Barbay, 100, of Port Neches, died Friday, December 22, 2017. She was born on January 22, 1917, at Edgerly, Louisiana, to Dora Simar Langley and Fernest Langley.

Survivors include her daughters, Elaine Aldridge of Vidor and Carol Barbay of Port Neches; sons, Robert Barbay, Jr. and his wife, Lynda, of Port Arthur; and Gordon Barbay and his wife, Frances, of Torrance, California; granddaughter, Heather Aldridge Lilback and her husband, Kenneth, of Vidor; grandson, Matthew Barbay of Torrance, California; great-grandchildren, Abby and Nathaniel both of Vidor.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert J. Barbay, Sr.; and sisters, Effie Persyn and Arthurine Hubert.

Mrs. Barbay loved her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vera made many sacrifices throughout her life so that her family might enjoy wonderful opportunities to experience success in life. One of her many aspirations in life was to see her children successfully reach their goals.

Vera loved to travel, including several Caribbean cruises, a visit to the Holy Land and 2 visits to Hawaii as well as frequent visits to Los Angeles, California, the home of her younger son and his family. During her cruises, she traveled through the Panama Canal, went snorkeling on several occasions and, at age 87, swam with sting rays. During one cruise, Vera was invited to visit the ship’s bridge and handle the ship’s steering wheel. Another cruise was extended in 2005 because of Hurricane Rita’s visit to the Gulf of Mexico. While visiting the Holy Land, Vera visited locations which she had learned about during her scriptural studies. Because she enjoyed Bible studies, Vera was able to quote many Biblical references from the New and Old Testaments. Vera was a frequent visitor to museums, botanical gardens, and many national historic sites and national parks during her lifetime.

Vera loved learning which she expressed in many ways. She attended Lamar University for several semesters, with the enthusiastic support of her family. Vera was always willing to share her knowledge and wisdom. Vera enjoyed studying different languages and was a fluent speaker of the French language, which she spoke before she learned to speak English. Vera was always interested in new opportunities for learning and this interest continued throughout her life.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Leisa Clavelle and Dallisia Clavelle whose dedicated and loving care added an extremely high quality of life to Mrs. Barbay’s final months. Mrs. Barbay came to think of Leisa and Dallisia as true members of her family.

A gathering of Mrs. Barbay’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Shane Baxter at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 29, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches, with her interment following at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves.