Barbara McCleary

Barbara June Ivy Watts McCleary, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was born on June 24, 1937, in Jasper, Texas. After a lengthy illness, she passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 88.

Barbara is preceded in transition by her beloved husband, Aubrey McCleary, Jr.; her daughter, Tamra Maureen McCleary; her parents, S.R. and Pauline (Pat) Watts; and her longtime caretaker and friend, Miss Alma Johnson Renter.

She is survived by her children Connie McCleary Svestka, Michael (Jodi) McCleary, Patrick McCleary, and Kevin McCleary; her grandchildren Jared Svestka, Gracie McCleary Simoneaux (Gage), Mary Kathryn, Kyle, Cameron, and Matthew McCleary; and her great-grandchildren Elijah Svestka and Eden Rose Simoneaux.

A burial service will be held on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all of her compassionate caregivers at Fidelis Residential Care Homes, with heartfelt gratitude to Jennifer and Keneicha for the extra-special care and kindness they showed Barbara, and to The Hospice of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Barbara’s name to the organization of your choice.