Barbara Braud Pollak

Barbara was born November 1, 1933 in Norco, Louisiana to the late Alexander Paul and Fannie Daigle Braud. Barbara graduated from Destrehan High School, where she was liked by all – so much so she was named the “Destrehan Queen” early on in her school years – an honor usually awarded to upperclassmen. Barbara was an active member of the basketball, choir, and theater arts programs. Upon graduation, Barbara followed her family legacy to work for Shell Oil. It was here where she met her beloved husband, Henry “Hank” Zygmunt Pollak. After 7 fulfilling years of service with Shell, Barbara moved on to devote her life to her greatest passion, her four children: Douglas, Michael, Gretchen, and Jennifer.

Barbara was steadfast and true to her Louisiana roots and was happiest cooking and caring for her family. She believed in a chocolate colored roux for her famous Cajun gumbo, extra-high heat oil for her crispy fried chicken, and a Christmas cookie plate full of homemade pecan “sandies.” Her mouth-watering cooking brought together generations as she relished in passing down family recipes to her children and grandchildren. Her hospitality always created an atmosphere full of love, great food, and wonderful memories.

As their children grew up and started their own families, Barbara and Hank retired to April Sound in Montgomery, TX where they enjoyed their final years together playing golf and serving as active members of their church. Barbara was a woman of quiet strength (with a hint of sass), bravery, gratefulness, and most importantly – she was kind.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, her dear siblings: brother Vernon Braud and four sisters: Lynn Oswald, husband, Dr. Harold Oswald; Carrie Landry, husband Lonnie; Evelyn Hebert, husband Rodgers; and Thelma Kugler, husband, Charles.

Barbara is survived by her children: Douglas Alexander Pollak, wife Nita; Michael Henry Pollak, wife Meredith; Gretchen Pollak Cook, husband Jack; and Jennifer Pollak Evans; as well as her 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren: Natalie Pollak Rembert, husband Robert and their daughters Norah and Eliza; Kevin Pollak, wife Lauren; Emily Pollak; Nicholas Pollak; Jack Cook, wife Ashley and their son Cyrus; Michael Cook, wife Kristen and their daughter Sterling; Rachel Cook McLean, husband Nick and their daughters Harley and Quinn; Zach Evans, wife Susannah; and Lauren Evans.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 14th at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. A private family burial will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Conroe, TX or the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.