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The family of Barbara Jean Oakley uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
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The family of Barbara Jean Oakley uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
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Donna posted a condolence
Monday, October 15, 2012
We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in my mom's community in Florida for your love and support! If you have not had a chance yet, please share some of your favorite memories. On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, we gathered together to celebrate the life of Barbara Jean Mason Oakley. Barbara Jean was born on June 23, 1932 in Elmira, New York to Harold and Alice Burley Mason. Four years later her dear sister, Nancy, was born. Barb and Nancy grew up on the southside of Elmira. They graduated from SHS. Barbara was swept off her feet by Donald whom she later married. Barb received her RN from Arnot Odgen Memorial Hospital in 1953. She worked at AOMH for 25 years as a nurse, nursing supervisor and instructor of nursing. Barbara also graduated from Elmira College with a degree in psychology. Don and Barb had four beautiful children together (Mike, Kath, Rick and Donna), 18 fantastic grandkids, and 16 amazing great grandchildren. Donald was transferred to Buffalo, New York with the Veteran’s Administration. Barbara retired from her nursing career at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo in Acute Medicine and as a preceptor for UB nursing students. In their retirement years, they became “snow birds” and so enjoyed visiting our brother Rick and his family in Florida. Don and Barb volunteered for the senior PGA tour (Emerald Coast Classic) in Pensacola, Florida. They also enjoyed proctoring for the UB law exams in Buffalo, NY. Our parent’s story is a true love story. Donald and Barbara adored each other. Dad was a romanticist. We cherish the love letters that dad wrote to mom. The special gifts he bought her including the diamond bracelet he gave mom on her 75th birthday at the “Oakley” reunion. In 2009, Don and Barb decided to move to the Groves Golf Community in Land O’ Lakes, FL. Unfortunately, our dad passed away shortly after arriving in FL. As difficult as it, our mom was able to carry on. She was embraced by so many wonderful people. Her friends in her community, my cousin Lisa and her husband Mike and their family, her hair dresser, everyone she came into contact with. They said our mom was dazed and unsure of what to do with herself once she was without our dad. Mom said she had to force herself to do things. Before we knew it, she was playing bridge, in the garden club, and other social organizations. Barbara blossomed and learned how to become an independent woman. We were amazed at her strength and courage. That is a snapshot of our mom’s life story but let me tell you a little bit about her as a person. Everyone that knew her loved her. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Mom had high expectations and did not leave any stones unturned. Barbara’s “flair” for life and her sense of humor are going to be deeply missed. Both our parent’s taught us to always do the right thing. I remember one time when I walked to Ferris’s on Mt. Zoar Street and they gave me too much change. My mom made me walk back to the store to return the money. That is one of the many life lessons that “stuck” with me forever. Elmira, NY will always be a special place for our family. We have many fond memories. The celebrations at our sister Kath’s house with her family. Our brother Mike and his family live in the house we grew up in. It is the home of our parent’s final resting place. This area is surrounded by natural beauty especially this time of year. The unconditional love we felt from our parents reminds me of one of my favorite children’s books called Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It is about a mother holding her newborn baby and singing softly: I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be. The story continues about the joys and challenges of the child’s life cycle and the neverending love of a mother. Then one day the mother called her child up and said, “You’d better come see me because I’m very old and sick.” When he got to her house, she tried to sing the song. She sang: I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always…But she couldn’t finish because she was too old and sick. So the child picked her up and sang I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my Mommy you’ll be. Life is cyclical like the changing of the seasons. It is a true blessing that our precious mom and dad were a part of our lives for so long. Our nephew Brandon said it best when he said, “You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived!” Also my daughter, Lindsey, said one of her new favorite quotes is, “Life is not forever, but love is!” Love you forever mom! Xoxo Donna
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Dianne and Bob Cursey posted a condolence
Friday, October 12, 2012
We were blessed to have known Barb if only for a short time. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by her friends here at The Groves in Land O Lakes. Our sympathy to her family.
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Lisa Olson posted a condolence
Thursday, October 11, 2012
I miss hearing your voice, your laugh and sense of humor, your strength, courage, wisdom, guidance, your tremendous support and what the meaning of grace under pressure really is. I learned from you that even under the worst of circumstances and the darkest of days that life goes on. May you rest in peace. I will miss and love you forever & always my sweet Aunt Barb.
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Marge Whaley posted a condolence
Thursday, October 11, 2012
In February of 2010 I started a beginner bridge class. Barbara had called and asked if she had never played, could she come. Bridge is a difficult game and Barb struggled but never ever gave up! In fact she was usually the first one there. She was always upbeat and really enjoyed playing. I think Bridge was one of the harder things she had to give up when she became too ill to attend. We will all miss her very much, especially her lovely smile.
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Asia Murray posted a condolence
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family as you grieve your loss... Your San Antonio Property Family
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susan stringfellow posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
It was my honor and pleasure to have known you, Barb. I, and all of your friends in the Groves, miss you so much. You'll always be remembered...always. Your friend forever, Susan
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Mary Ann Kelly posted a condolence
Monday, October 8, 2012
Donna, You were a wonderful daughter and I wish I could be there for you. Miles seperate us but my thoughts and prayers are there for you and your family, today and always. See you soon! Love you lots...xxxooo Mary Ann Kelly
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lisa murray posted a condolence
Sunday, October 7, 2012
I met Barbara in 2009, when she came to our salon to have her hair cut and colored. At the time she was mourning the loss of her husband and brought me to tears when telling me of their 50 + year marriage. The adoration she had for her husband, children and grandchildren was unparalleled. Barbara was adorded by everyone in the salon. The girls at the front desk knew to bring her a sprite and cookies. I saw Barbara every week for nearly 2 years. She always brightened up my day, and was such a pleasure to be around. We often talked about our familys, I felt as though I knew her children as well as their spouses. She felt so blessed to have such wonderful children, and sons and daughter in laws. She often talked about her niece Lisa, that kept her company here in Florida. Barbara always kept all of us in the salon in the know in politics, celebrity scoop and of course her favorite....American Idol! Barbara was everything I aspire to be in life.......patient, funny, compassionate, kind, smart, selfless, and such a loving mother and wife. I picture Barbara and her husband dancing, laughing and catching up, so happy to be together. Barbara will be dearly missed by myself and all at J Joseph Salon.
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Colleen McLaughlin posted a condolence
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Donna and Kathy I am sorry for the loss of your mother. May your memories and support of family and friends help you through this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers.
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