Barbara Ann Osborn
In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Osborn
March 6, 1965 – May 1, 2025
Barbara Ann Osborn lived life on her own terms, meeting every challenge with grit and an infectious laugh that could brighten even the darkest day. She passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the people who mattered most: her children and family, who never left her side through all of life’s twists and turns.
Barbara’s greatest pride was being a mother to three children: Michael Hegewald and his wife Rebecca, Denise Farrell and her husband Shamus, and Nathaniel Jones and his wife Alyssa. Her love for her family only grew with the arrival of her six grandchildren: Clancy Farrell, married to Meg Farrell (stepfather to Maddie), Cloei Farrell, Hailey Farrell, Nathaniel Farrell, Ayden Jones, and Gabriel. With them, she built the warm, accepting family she had always dreamed of—one where everyone belonged.
Friendship was another anchor in Barbara’s life, and her friends meant the world to her. Among them, her best friend of fifty years, Scott Donavan, held an especially cherished place. Scott was by her side in every season of life, and in her final days, he held her hand until the end. Together, they even wrote a song—a testament to their lifelong bond and the joy they found in each other’s company. Another lifelong friend, Wanda Vandeventer, was a constant source of comfort and faith for Barbara. Over the years and especially in her last days, Wanda spent countless hours on the phone with Barbara, praying with her and offering steadfast support and love when it was needed most.
Barbara’s love stretched far beyond her immediate family. She cherished every one of her nieces and nephews, her aunts and uncles, and grandparents. Family gatherings were never complete without her warmth, laughter, and genuine interest in the lives of all her relatives. She took pride in being part of a bigger family network, finding joy in their accomplishments, sharing in their struggles, and making each one feel valued.
Her generosity and motherly spirit spilled out into the town she called home. It wasn’t just her own family who felt her warmth—over fifty children in the community called her “Mom” or “Nana.” She welcomed them all with open arms, offering support, a listening ear, and a safe place to land. To Barbara, every child deserved to feel loved and accepted, and she made sure no one ever left her presence without a sense of belonging.
Life wasn’t always easy for Barbara. She navigated complex family dynamics and loss, but her love for her siblings ran deep. She is survived by her siblings: David Smith (and wife Graciela), Steven Catron (and wife Leah), and her sister April Catron. She was preceded in death by her mother Carol Catron and father Archer “Corky” Jones. Through it all, Barbara found her own path, determined to create happiness wherever she could.
Those closest to her knew Barbara as someone who could find humor in almost any situation. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures—watching videos of monkeys on her phone, or just sitting with her kids and grandkids. Her love for animals revealed the gentle heart beneath her strong spirit, and she kept her wit and sense of humor sharp until her very last days.
Barbara’s true legacy is the family she built—her children, grandchildren, and the strength, resilience, and joy she passed on to them. She taught us that family is something you create, and that laughter, even in hard times, can carry you through.
May she rest in peace, knowing she succeeded in what mattered most: building a loving family of her own, filling their lives with warmth, acceptance, and endless laughter, and holding her friends—and all those who needed her—close, always.