Barbara Steager Malone (November 16, 1945 – July 9, 2022) of Houston and Montgomery, TX was a writer, editor, strategist and general bonne vivante with a lifelong interest in nature, music and people. Her favorite times were spent in the garden, the kitchen, the woods, the library, the company of family and friends, and in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Born in London, England and raised in the Northeast US, Barbara held degrees from Antioch College and Southern Methodist University. She studied in France and Switzerland and performed as a singer, storyteller and public speaker in French, German, Spanish and Italian, as well as her native English. She traveled widely in the Americas, Europe and Asia and remained in active contact with her extensive international network of family, friends and colleagues throughout her life.
Barbara pursued a career in international business and politics in Washington, DC, Austin and Houston, and served on the staff of the LBJ Graduate School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and on the staff of the Governor of Texas. She was head of the International Department of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, representing Houston’s international business interests at home and abroad.
In 1995 Barbara founded The Queensbury Press, a company that published several works in the historical genre. She was an experienced marketing strategist, writer and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and former columnist for several publications. In addition to her varied professional pursuits, Barbara had an active interest in the arts, the environmental sciences, and the bridging of cultural differences.
Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband of 30 years, Robert Malone, and is survived by her son Harold J. “Beau” Lezar III (Kim) and grandchildren Dylan and Parker Lezar of Sugar Land, and stepsons Lee (Clara) Malone of Nashville, TN and grandchildren Molly and Chapman Malone, Shawn (Connie) Malone, Bruce (Pitchapuk) Malone, all of Austin, and extended family and friends around the world.
