Obituary of Barbara E. Ormsby

Barbara E. Ormsby, 91, a former resident of Niagara Falls and Youngstown, died Tuesday, April 30, 2013, in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, Lewiston, where she had resided for the last two years and four months. A mother of nine who had a special love and concern for all children, Barbara was born May 19, 1921, in Niagara Falls, the daughter of Harry F. and Helen (Adams) Wallace. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School. She married Linus L. Ormsby Sr. on June 18, 1940. He predeceased her on May 24, 2003. Barbara and her husband resided on Weston Avenue in Niagara Falls for many years before moving to Youngstown in 1973. She was active in the community there as a member of the Youngstown Garden Club and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Bernard's RC Church. She enjoyed playing bridge and other card games with friends and bowled in leagues in Lewiston with her husband. Always attentive to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Barbara was a ready participant in board games and yard games, and was an avid swimmer. Displaying a thirst for knowledge, she was an avid reader who enjoyed learning new things. Later in life, she took up painting and produced several works that hung in her home. At Our Lady of Peace, her sparkling blue eyes, ready smile and caring nature made a favorite of the nurses and staff members, who provided her with excellent care. As a result, she came to regard the health-care facility as her home. Barbara is survived by five daughters and four sons, Patricia A. (Michael) Sexton of Harrisonburg, VA; Linus L. (Sandra) Ormsby Jr. of Lewiston; Robert L. (Jill) Ormsby of Slidell, LA.; Dennis M. Ormsby of Youngstown; Kathleen M. (late Frank) Tripi of Youngstown; Barbara J. (Dale Halvarson) Chassar of Lewiston; Mary E. (Norm) Stessing of Grand Island; Theresa A. (Abbas) Mohaddes of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.; and Patrick J. (Margie) Ormsby of Grand Prairie, TX. She is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy (late Dr. Anthony) Schiavi of Niagara Falls and Mary (late Peter) Neville of Lewiston; a brother, Robert (Patricia) Wallace of Ellenton, FL; 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth J. "Betty" (Jerome "Jerry") Gormley, and a grandson, U.S. Navy Ensign Steven J. Blette. In accord with Barbara's wishes, her body was donated to the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 10, at 10 am in St. Bernard's RC Church, Hinman & Second Sts., Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Moran officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace, 5285 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, NY 14092.