Barbara Ann Sarmiento, age 84, of Cypress, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 5, 2024.

She was born on June 27, 1939 in Lakewood, Ohio to the late Wilbur and Helen Schaedel. From a young age, Barbara had two life wishes–to be a mother and to be a nurse. Through her teenage years she worked at a soda fountain and at the telephone company to save money to put herself through nursing school. In her early twenties she achieved her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She met her future husband, Dr. Rene V. Sarmiento, a surgeon, while working at a hospital.

Soon after Barbara had her first child, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom. When her husband died in 1986, Barbara became a single mom and decided to work outside of the home again. In her fifties, she went back to college, earned a Bachelor's degree and became a Registered Dietitian. She worked as a dietitian for WIC for 17 years.

In her retirement years, Barbara moved from Montgomery, AL to the Houston area to be closer to her grandchildren. She loved having her grandkids over to her house for slumber parties and board games. She enjoyed studying the Bible, and would often be involved with 4 different Bible study groups at a time. Through the Episcopal church, she was a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King, who devote themselves to showing the love of Jesus Christ through prayer, service and evangelism.

Barbara loved to read mystery novels and do Sudoku puzzles. She was often moved to tears by listening to Christian worship music and hymns. She grew vegetables and herbs on her back patio and enjoyed growing things that she could give as gifts to others.

In fact, much of Barbara's life was about giving to others–giving of her time through volunteer activities, giving of her resources to the church, giving of gifts to her children and grandchildren, but most of all giving to her family through her daily encouragement, prayers, and companionship. Barbara will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her five children: daughter, Rosalyn Assef (husband James); son, Steve Sarmiento (wife Janice); daughter, Sharon Sarmiento; daughter, Stacey Sarmiento; and daughter, Regina Mitchell (husband Sam).

She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Zack Sarmiento (wife Miranda), Peyton Sarmiento, Gabi Sarmiento, Justin Sarmiento, Joshua Assef, Peter Assef and Henry Mitchell; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Sarmiento. She is also survived by her sister, Karen Harrington.

Including her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Rene V. Sarmiento.

Family and friends will be gathering to celebrate Barbara's life on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2pm at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 13131 Fry Road, Cypress, TX 77433, with the Reverend Les Carpenter officiating.

Flowers of condolence are greatly appreciated. Please send them to Barbara's home.