In Loving Memory of Barbara Jean Noe Aubrey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Barbara Jean Noe Aubrey on June 7, 2023. Barbara was a cherished wife, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a dear friend to many. Barbara was known to her friends and family as "Barb". Barbara's love for her family and friends was unwavering, as was her faith and devotion to the Catholic Church.

Born on January 14, 1935, Barbara was the daughter of Robert and Gertrude "Babe" (Hahnenberg) Noe, in Milwaukee, WI.  From an early age, it was evident Barbara possessed a love of music and a tremendous talent for singing. She grew up in Milwaukee having graduated from Messmer High School in 1952, and developed her vocal skills making several operatic recordings in her early college years at Alverno College.

In 1951, Barbara met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Lee Aubrey, and they embarked on a remarkable journey together spanning six decades. Their marriage on July 9, 1955 was filled with love, laughter, and countless shared memories. Married for 52 years, they set an example for others to follow, honoring their vows of "for better, for worse; in sickness and in health", forming a bond that transcended time until Dick's passing in 2007.

As a mother, Barbara was a pillar of strength, with unwavering dedication.  Barbara embraced motherhood providing guidance, values, morals, ethics, principles and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on through her children, who carry her compassion forward within their lives.

One of Barbara's greatest joys in life was her role as a grandmother. She took on the moniker of GiGi when she became a great-grandmother.  As a professional seamstress, Barbara loved making dresses for all her daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters.  And together with Dick, supported her son, grandsons and great-grandsons in their love of team sports and outdoor sportsmanship.  She will forever be remembered as their loving and adoring grandmother.

As we mourn the loss of Barbara Jean Noe Aubrey, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the countless lives she touched.  She was a Girl Scout leader for 13 years, helping to teach accountability and responsibility, along with life skills to countless young women, and worked for a time as a substitute teacher in the Mid-Buchanan School District with primary students.  After retiring from her bridalwear business, Barbara started an alterations business, providing services to local bridalwear shops, dance troupes and the extended community.  Barbara also thoroughly enjoyed working at the St. Francis Xavier food pantry – House of Bread – and used her time there as a way to help patrons in so many ways. This work and selfless dedication to others won her the Mother Theresa Award of 2017 from the Archdiocese of Greater Kansas City-St. Joseph.

In her free time, Barbara enjoyed reading, floral arranging, baking, cooking, gardening, canning and sewing – always singing at the top of her lungs while performing any task.  Her passion was music and she counted herself blessed to be included in the church choir at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where she sang for Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican during his New Year's Day Mass of 2008. She was a tremendously talented singer and her range and skill knew no bounds. Whether it was through singing with the Church choir, preforming with the St. Joseph Community Chorus, or making choir robes for the Church choir members, Barbara dedicated countless hours to perfecting her talent and skills through music and related activities. Barbara shared her gifts with the world and left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience them.

Her memory will forever remain in our hearts, and her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire us.  May we find solace in the cherished memories we have of Barbara and find comfort in knowing that she is at peace.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Dick Aubrey, Sr., daughter Lisa Gail Aubrey, mother Babe Noe, father Bob Noe, and sister Sharon Ossanna.  Barbara is survived by her children, Deborah Whiteman (Kurt) of Nixa, MO; Carol Aubrey of Elk Grove, CA; Karen "Gus" Michael (Mark "Beau") of Smithville, MO; Theresa Freeman (Julien "Bud") of Kansas City, MO; Joan Ho (Mai) of Lee's Summit, MO; Richard Aubrey, Jr. (Ann) of St. Joseph, MO; Susan James (Randall) of St. Joseph; and Jennifer Logbeck (Robert) of Shawnee, KS.; 13 grandchildren plus their spouses (22 in all),14 great-grandchildren, and her extended family and friends.

Barbara's celebration of life will begin at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2618 Seneca St., St. Joseph, MO on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.  A Rosary will be recited beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a visitation at 11:00 a.m., with the funeral mass at 12:00 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial and interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2600 Lover's Lane, St. Joseph, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the St. Francis Xavier House of Bread 2701 Seneca Street St. Joseph, MO  64507 as this cause was close to Barbara's heart.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Barbara. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.