It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara J. Olmstead, age 66, on August 17, 2023. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of many around her.

Born on June 18, 1957 to Paul and Francis Johnson, Barbara was a native of New Britain, Connecticut. As a girl, she was a member of First Lutheran Church and was dearly loved by her Sicilian grandparents. She graduated from Newington High School in 1975, the University of Connecticut in 1979, and worked as a Registered Physical Therapist for children with special needs before retiring from the Holyoke Public School District in 2012.

On April 30, 1988, Barbara married Robert Olmstead and became a stepmother to Chantele and Ethan Olmstead. She was a devoted and loving mother to Shay and Joshua Olmstead. Barb deeply loved her cousins, Jim Patania and Dan Wood, and her 5 grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia. Barbara was an active member of Resurrection Life Church for fourteen years before joining Lighthouse Christian Church where she and her husband, Bob, were pastors for six years.

Throughout her life, Barbara was known for her generosity, faithfulness, and great hugs. She loved Jesus. Barb was a private person, often unassuming. She preferred to cultivate close one-on-one relationships rather than to be in a crowd. She had many ‘adopted’ daughters. Like her Lord, she was acquainted with grief and she bore her hardships with a heart of love. Fiercely loyal to her friends and family, Barb shared in and deeply felt their joys and sorrows. Her heart went out to the disenfranchised. She felt called to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves, especially children and the unborn.

Barb loved to laugh. She had a sharp, insightful wit. A good planner with strong organizational skills, Barbara could be decisive, often standing her ground. She enjoyed visiting with friends, reading, listening to music and audio books, worshiping, going for long rides in the country, and watching films and British television. Italian at heart, Barbara loved S-cookies, cannoli, and lasagna. The two trips she took with her family to Sicily were highlights of her life. She retained fond memories of Cove Beach in Old Saybrook where she spent many of her childhood summers at her grandparents’ cottage.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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