On Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, my wife Barbara Oyer Nelson tragically passed away. I am supporting my family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. A gathering will take place on Thursday, May 23rd, from 5 PM to 6 PM, followed by a service from 6 PM to 7 PM. Brater Winter Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio is handling arrangements and flowers. The obituary website link will be shared once it is available. Additionally, there will be a separate service in Hornell, NY, where she will be laid to rest.
Barbara Oyer Nelson was a cherished wife, mother, friend, and community member whose sudden passing has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her. Born on August 2nd, 1967, in Hornell, New York, Barbara grew up with a strong sense of community and a deep love for family. She moved to Harrison, Ohio, where she built a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication to those around her.
Barbara’s professional life was marked by her dedication and excellence as a registered nurse. She worked at Harrison Community Hospital for over 20 years, where she was known for her compassion and unwavering commitment to her patients. Her colleagues remember her as a mentor and friend who brought warmth and professionalism to every interaction. “Barbara was an exceptional nurse who cared deeply for her patients and colleagues,” said Dr. Steven Harper, a close colleague. “Her kindness and dedication were evident in everything she did, and she will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Her passion for helping others extended beyond her professional life. Barbara was actively involved in several local charities and community organizations. She volunteered at the Harrison Food Pantry and was a devoted member of the Harrison United Methodist Church, where she participated in numerous outreach programs. Her tireless efforts to support those in need made a lasting impact on the community.
Barbara’s family was the center of her world. She was a loving wife to her husband, John Nelson, and a devoted mother to their two children, Sarah and Michael. John recalls her as the cornerstone of their family, whose love and support were unwavering. “Barbara was the heart of our family,” John said. “Her love and dedication to us were limitless. She was not only my wife but my best friend. Her absence is something we will feel deeply for the rest of our lives.”
Sarah and Michael, both in their early twenties, remember their mother as a guiding light who supported them in every endeavor. “Mom was always there for us, no matter what,” Sarah shared. “She encouraged us to follow our dreams and supported us unconditionally. Her love and wisdom will always be with us.”
Barbara’s friends and extended family are also grappling with the loss of a woman who brought joy and kindness into their lives. “Barbara was one of the kindest people I have ever known,” said Linda Roberts, a close friend. “Her generosity and spirit were unmatched. She had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. We are all better for having known her.”
As the family prepares for the services in Harrison, Ohio, and Hornell, New York, they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The gathering at Brater Winter Funeral Home will be an opportunity for the community to come together to honor Barbara’s memory and offer their condolences. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Harrison Food Pantry in Barbara’s name, continuing her legacy of helping those in need.
The separate service in Hornell, New York, will allow Barbara’s extended family and childhood friends to pay their respects and celebrate her life in the town where she was born and raised. Barbara will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery, a place that held significant meaning for her.
Barbara Oyer Nelson’s life was a testament to love, compassion, and service. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, both personally and professionally. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the enduring impact she had on her family, friends, and community.
In this time of profound grief, the family asks for privacy and space to heal. They extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered support and love during this incredibly difficult time. The obituary website link will be shared once it is available, providing a space for friends and family to share their memories and tributes.
Barbara’s light may have been extinguished far too soon, but her spirit and the love she gave so freely will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
