Obituary of Barbara Jean Oakley

OAKLEY, Barbara, J. Age 79, of Land O’ Lakes, FL, and former longtime resident of Williamsville, NY and Elmira, NY, was reunited with her beloved husband Donald on Monday, October 3, 2011. Her loving daughter, Donna, was by her side. Barbara Jean was born June 23, 1932 in Elmira, NY, daughter of the late Harold and Alice (Burley) Mason. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, on August 25, 2009 after 55 years of marriage and her grandson, Jon Bradley Thomas and granddaughter, Julie Lynn Thomas. Barbara is survived by her cherished children Michael (Sheila) Oakley of Elmira, NY; Kathleen (Bradley) Thomas of Elmira, NY; Richard (Sung) Oakley of Wichita, KS; and Donna (James) Von Hendy of East Amherst, NY; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; adored sister, Nancy (Walter) Lynch of Raymond, NH; and several nieces and nephews. Barbara retired from Acute Medicine and as a preceptor for UB nursing students from the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. She received her RN in 1953 from the Arnot Odgen Memorial Hospital, where her nursing career spanned twenty-five years and included positions as a supervisor and instructor of nursing. Barbara also received a BS degree from Elmira College. In 2009, she and Donald moved to Land O’ Lakes, FL. Soon after, Donald passed away. As difficult as it was, Barbara was embraced by many wonderful people in her retirement community, including her niece Lisa Olson and her husband, Mike. She was actively involved in many social organizations. Barbara was a special person, who was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her inner and outer beauty, her attention to detail, and her “flair” for life, as well as her exceptional personality, will be sincerely missed. Family and friends are invited to call Monday, October 10, 2011, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the James D. Barrett Funeral Home at 1004 Lake St., Elmira, NY 14901. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 10 a.m., in St. Patrick’s Church at 604 Park Place, Elmira, NY 14901. Fr. Richard Farrell will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, Fl 33542 (813-377-1265).