Louise Calvert

With people moving around the country so much these days, it might prove difficult to find a true Texas woman who embodies gentleness, fierce passion, a keen eye for beauty, and profound strength. On July 27, 2023, the world lost one of its best examples in Louise Calvert.

Born to Thelma and Herbert Williams on October 16, 1934, Louise and her sisters Helen and Betty grew up in Dickinson, Texas, which proved fortuitous when handsome young Barney Calvert saw Louise at her parents’ gas station and knew immediately that she was the one. She married him at 17 and finished high school in Alaska, where he was stationed in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Louise and Barney then made their home in Pasadena, Texas, where she kept the books for Barney’s automotive business and reared their children Amber and Ben. They regularly attended antique car tours, which Louise made special by dressing her kids in antique clothing so they could participate in the style shows as well. Being part of antique car clubs was a big part of their lives.

After Amber and Ben entered high school, Louise earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from the University of Houston. She enjoyed years of finding unique antiques and treasures to help others create beautiful homes. Upon retirement, Barney and Louise moved to New Braunfels and built a home and auto shop, which Louise designed to look like a red barn, reflecting the character of the stunning Texas Hill Country landscape.

In those years, Louise embraced line dancing, trips to New York and the Galveston beach, and most especially her role as Grammy to her beloved granddaughter Lauren. She frequently picked up Lauren from school, and as a member of the New Braunfels Church of Christ, Louise took Lauren to church and enrolled her in summer church camps, imparting her deep spirituality, constancy, and love.

In the last year of her life, Louise continued to find joy at Brookdale Senior Living in Austin, where she asked the facility to add line dancing to their program lineup. Her constant, adoring canine companion Tex faithfully accompanied her to every activity, patiently sitting in her lap or lying by her side.

Despite experiencing the tragic loss of her son as well as the sudden loss of her husband of nearly 70 years, Louise found strength in faith, family, and fun. Her easy laugh, twinkling blue eyes, positive encouragement, and skill at embracing the moment blessed and inspired all who knew her. Each of us is made better by her example.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, son Ben, and husband Barney. She is survived by her daughter Amber Calvert, granddaughter Lauren Bauer and husband Riley Bauer, daughter-in-law Kimberly Calvert, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Lux Funeral Home in New Braunfels, 1254 N. Business IH-35, with a private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Austin.