Barbara Cowen Schmidt

Barbara Nell Cowen was born on April 30, 1930, into a well educated household in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when Tulsa was the oil capital of the world. Her father, Robert Milton Cowen, was an attorney. She came to Austin and graduated from the University of Texas. She met her husband, Leon Schmidt, through his cousin Rosie Weinberger who owned the student boarding house where she lived.

Barbara was a team player who led by example. She and Leon maintained a busy household for their family of six while working together to achieve success in business. She always exemplified an appreciation of the arts, generosity of spirit, and charitable giving. She taught her children the value of having a good moral compass and the necessity of patiently, diligently, and consistently pursuing their goals over time.

Barbara died in Austin on August 2, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends. She was witty, a delight to her friends, and liked to joke with people while keeping a perfectly straight face. Sometimes they didn't know whether she was joking or not. She was a bright spirit and an old soul and at the same time a kid at heart. We will all miss her greatly.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6th at Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Dell Children's Hospital or Temple Beth Israel.