Barbara A. Bradshaw
Barbara was called home to the Lord on December 4, 2023 in St. Louis, MO. Barb was 87 and had lived in the community of St. Louis Hills Assisted Living for the past 8 years. Barb grew up in the communities of Curryville and Bowling Green, MO. She was the daughter of the late Mary Bradshaw. She is survived by her sister Norma Loesche and her cousin Gary Bradley and his wife Shirley. Jane Edwards and Barb, both nurses, shared a home and many interests including church, music and traveling, as well as many pet dogs. Mary Brown developed a close friendship with Barb and enjoyed wonderful times with her. Following graduation from Bowling Green High School in 1953, Barb chose to enter St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis. She graduated with the class of 1956. While working as a nurse, she continued her education at Washington University in St. Louis and in 1960 received a B.S. in Nursing. She worked as a Clinical Instructor at St. Luke’s Hospital and during this time, she returned to Washington University to earn a M.A. in Education in 1965. Barb also enjoyed a tour of Great Britain and Ireland which was sponsored by Washington University. In 1961 Barb became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and formed many dear church friendships. Barb had a passion for nursing and enjoyed a very successful career. In 1971 she became Assistant Director of the Barnes Hospital School of Nursing. In 1974 she was appointed as the Director of the School of Nursing.
A serious medical condition ended Barb’s career in 1979. With her deep faith and God’s help, she began a long rehabilitation process. Her strength and determination, along with many prayers, helped her on her long rehab journey. Along this journey, she continued to stay involved in her church and spend time with her family, friends, and pets. Eventually Barb was able to travel again, so she and Jane took many driving trips in the U.S. and Canada. As she became stronger, she traveled to London, Paris, and Russia. Barb had many interests including genealogy, music and reading. She visited many art museums and accumulated many books about art and art history. Barb had a special love for turtles and had a collection of over 100 of the little creatures made of glass, metal, ceramic and cloth. In 2015, Barb moved to St. Louis Hills Assisted Living facility. She became friends with everyone and enjoyed the many activities held in the community room – especially singing and having a glass of wine! She ventured out with other residents to visit various places around St. Louis including Forest Park and looking at Christmas light displays. Everyone at St. Louis Hills knew Barb as “Okey-dokey” and it became her nickname.
Services: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20 at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 9373 Garber Road, Sappington, MO 63126 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Barnes Hospital School of Nursing, St. Louis, MO, Jamestown New Horizons Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Florissant, MO, The Humane Society of Missouri or any animal rescue organization, the church or non-profit organization of your choice.
Condolence(1)-
Sharon Doyle says
January 13, 2024 at 8:48 pmBarbara was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known. I was her student at St. Luke’s Hospital from 1961 to 1964. She was kind, patient, so empathic with everyone, and one of the smartest teachers on the faculty. She could not have been a better model for all of us student nurses and patients. I don’t know anyone who did not admire her.