Barbara Lee Nelson, 65, passed away December 24, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born May 28, 1952 in Schenectady, New York, to Nelda Lynn and Terry Marden Nelson.
One of Barbara's favorite activities was to sew and quilt. She made many blankets over the years that she loved to give to people for gifts such as their marriage, birth of a child or even a birthday. Although a pro when it came to sewing and quilting she continued to learn new and different techniques to help her improve on the things she made.
She enjoyed many different callings in the different LDS wards she attended throughout her life. One of her favorite callings was that of Primary President. Anyone who knew Barbara knows she had a very kind and loving heart which showed through very much with children. She worked tirelessly in her calling as Primary President to show how much she loved the kids. She always enjoyed the visits she received from the many different home teachers, visiting teachers, Bishops and ward members that would stop in and spend precious time with her. So many became such good dear friends to her, she often spoke highly of them all.
Her love of children translated over into her large family. Barbara was blessed to have ten children, seven obnoxious boys and three sweet girls. It was a fulltime job to take care of so many kids, but it was what she loved. As her kids grew and she was able, she started to volunteer in the schools as a counselor where her kids attended so that she could be more involved in the lives of her kids as well as share her skills and personality with others in the school.
Barbara worked hard in her life to get ahead. She obtained an entry level job through Primary Children's Medical center in Salt Lake City where she quickly moved up because of her hard work and dedication. A few short years later she left Primary Children's for a promotion at the University of Utah as a Division Supervisor of Pediatric Ophthalmology, a job she truly loved. After many years at the University she retired, although, had her health been better we no doubt know she would still be there working her way up through the ranks.
Barbara is survived by children and grandchildren: Danielle and Nate Barnes: Alexis, Emily, Zoie; Eric and Haley Steele: Logan, Asher, Jonah; Nicholas Steele; Mac and Amanda Steele; Tessah, Marlee, Reese; Kelly and Andrea Steele: Chloe, Jax, Mia; Karyn and Matt Ostermiller: Alivia, Brinlee, Matthew; Ian Steele; Courtney and Scott Ashton; Aaron and Kenzie Steele. Sister Jeanne and Frank Mirgeler; Sister Kay Ann Paolucci; Brother Nathan Todd and Deltha Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents Terry and Nelda Nelson and son Jeremy Michael Steele.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) in Sandy. Services will begin at 3 PM with a visitation prior beginning at 2PM. Interment will take place at a later date at Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, AZ.
