away April 10th, 2018 after a brave but brief battle with cancer.
Born Sept. 29, 1942 in New York, N.Y Barbara was the daughter of the late
James L. & Margaret H. Ward and the beloved widow of Edward Bilek, Jr.
Barbara is survived by three step children and their spouses: Linda and
Mark Simpson of Naples, FL, Chris & Alexandra Bilek of Harwich, MA and
Dan Bilek and Betty Corrado of Ave Maria, FL. Barbara’s grandchildren,
Austin Simpson, Morgan Simpson & Mckenzie Bilek all share many happy
memories of summer vacations on Cape Cod with their grandparents.
Barbara is also survived by her cousins Carole Messina, Kathy Vita, Bill
Sullivan and her God Daughter Pati Salvatore.
Barbara graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Greenwich CT, St.
Francis Hospital School of Nursing Hartford, CT, Boston College Boston,
MA and received a graduate degree from N.Y.U. in New York, N.Y.
Barbara also had the wonderful distinction of being a member of the
Willimantic, CT chapter of Soroptomists for over 40 years. She was a
member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, CT
Nurse’s Association, American Nurses’ Association and the CT
Association for School Health.
Barbara worked at the bedside in the hospital for many years, then
transitioned to her real passion as a public health nurse with the Town of
Greenwich CT, advancing over the years to become the Director of
Nursing for the Health Department, receiving awards and accolades for
her commitment to excellence and the community she served. After a
long and distinguished career Barbara and her husband Ed retired to
Brewster, MA on Cape Cod in 1999 where they enjoyed the outdoors, bird
watching and the beach and many family gatherings. Barbara also
continued her call to public service by being a member of the Visiting
Nurse Assoc. of Cape Cod and was also an active member of Our Lady Of
the Cape Parish in Brewster, MA where she did volunteer work.
Barbara loved her family and many wonderful friends. She received great
joy helping others throughout her career as a nurse and in retirement by
volunteering and through financial support for many charities supporting
health, animals and the homeless.
She is the finest example of “A Life Well Lived” and she will be truly
missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady Of the Cape Parish in Brewster,
MA on Fri. April 27th, 2018 at 11:00 am.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to:
Our Lady of the Cape, Brewster MA, Visiting Nurse Assoc. of Cape Cod
And The Animal Rescue League of Brewster, MA
For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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