Barbara Jean Achatz

Barbara Jean Achatz (née Piccolo), 98, passed away June 14, 2024. She will be remembered for her zest for life, sense of humor, and ability to find hopeful happiness in any situation.

Barbara was born May 17, 1926 in Los Angeles, where she grew up adored by parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. She graduated from Bishop Conaty – Our Lady of Loretto High School, worked in high-end retail and insurance, and married Robert in 1958. They subsequently lived and raised their sons in the San Diego area, with brief residencies in Arizona and Oregon, before settling in Ponte Vedra Beach in 2006.

Barbara was a devoted and caring wife for 53 years, until Robert’s death in 2011. Barbara was constant in her Catholic faith throughout her life and, in her 80s and 90s, was able to serve as Eucharistic minister, Religious Education instructor, choir member, and rectory volunteer. She was involved with the women’s group, CHRP, and nocturnal adoration. 

Barbara loved being with her friends and family: traveling, cruising, dining out, and meeting weekly to say the rosary. She was fond of games, loved taking nature walks, and was a morning exercise regular at her local YMCA well into her mid-90s. She was member/secretary for DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and was an usher for the Jacksonville Symphony.

Barbara leaves behind many loving friends and family, including sons, Gregory (Sharon) and Gordon (Nicole); grandchildren, Brian (Kathleen), Tyler, Dana (Ryan), Cassie, and Nikolas; and great-granddaughter, Ahleylah. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; sister, Dolores; and parents, Dominic and Rosemary Piccolo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Monday, June 24 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father Kurian as Celebrant.

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