BARBI NEARY Obituary

Name: Memorial service for BARBI NEARY
Start: 2017-11-11T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Brophy Chapel

Neary, Barbi
60 of PHOENIX, passed away on NOVEMBER 2, 2017. Barbara Ellen Neary was "one of a kind"- there was no one else like her. Her antics are legendary; her compassion for others knew no bounds. Daughter of John and Margaret Neary, she was the baby of our family. Barbi is survived by; Toni Neary Harper, Kathleen Henze (Tom), Molly Neary (Kenneth), Michael Neary (Jamie), and 23 shining stars of the next generations. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Peggy Neary. Barbi was a seventh generation Arizonan. A proud native of Phoenix, she attended St. Francis, Xavier High School, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Grand Canyon University. She worked 20+ years for local hospitals; John C. Lincoln, Banner Estrella and Barrows Neurological Institute. The best sister, Barbi was close with each of her siblings and their children, and always put her family first. Barbi was the "ultimate aunt"- making each niece, nephew, grand-niece and grand-nephew (ages 3 to 50 yrs) feel as though they were her favorite. he lived her whole life giving love, support, generous advice and gifts, but most of all, laughs and joy to everyone. We are all experiencing Barbi's continuing presence in our lives. Encouraged by her example, there are people opening their hearts and wallets to help others, just as Barbi always did. Barbi treated friends and strangers with generosity and compassion. Barbi's friends included people from all walks of life. She was loyal to all. We'd like to thank Barbi's long time group of friends for their endless kindness and love. Barbi received a kidney & pancreas transplant in 2000. Dr Berne Yee, her nephrologist, was her trusted counselor, friend and inspiration. Dr Yee we are so grateful for your expertise, compassion and ongoing support. In lieu of flowers we hope you will consider donating to this program supporting transplant recipients and encouraging kidney donations: Erma Brombeck Project, National Kidney Foundation, 350 E Coronado Road #180, Phoenix AZ 85004. Memorial Service Saturday, November 11, 2017, 10am. Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Reception to follow. BARBI, WHEN WE COUNT OUR BLESSINGS WE COUNT YOU TWICE.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for BARBI NEARY

12 Entries

Susan Burchinal Stenson

March 16, 2019

Although none of it is recent, Barbi and I had history going back to the early '70s. She and I became acquainted when she dated one of my brothers (my whole family adored her) and then we found ourselves in Durango, Colorado. She arrived from Phoenix in an old Kharman Ghia and would drive up and down the mountain to the Tamarron Resort where we both worked. We made mischief together during our years in Colorado. Oh, she could make me laugh.
We both returned to Phoenix and continued our relationship. At one point, Barb, who loved dogs, was challenged by an Old English Sheepdog who refused to ride in the car, making it hard to get her to the groomer. My husband and I adopted "Libby" who was indeed incorrigible. She ran through our sliding screen door on more than one occasion, but most memorable was the day Libby yanked her leash and pulled me down and through a mud puddle. I was eight months pregnant at the time. The fall caused early labor and we wound up at Good Sam Hospital awaiting the arrival of our first child. Barb came and played cards with all of us until our son, Bobby, arrived.
We lost touch in the late '80s until we reconnected through a mutual friend in 2011. We only spoke a couple times at that point and I so wish I had pursued that friendship more seriously.
As her family and friends know, she was a bright light in this often dark world. She is missed.

Don Coulombe

September 5, 2018

She was a mentor to me at JCLH,she taught me Kindness, compassion,and just being helpful to the people who needed it .She had a hell of a sense of a humor and a stare that was a killer .We talked about being the babies in our family and how we could get away with all the antics we did.It was a great honor to know her and I have a great respect for her and will always remember her.
Just a good friend
Don Coulombe

Melissa Woulfe

May 26, 2018

I met Barbi in the early 2000's when I started grooming her baby Murphy. We immediately connected through our love of Murphy and I so enjoyed seeing both of them all the time. I transferred to two other shops in the time that I knew her and she followed me every step of the way. She was always so much fun and so gracious. I looked forward to our appointments because I knew that we would be having some wonderful conversations. I lost touch after leaving the business and decided to look her up when I came across this sad news. I am so terribly heartbroken and sorry for your loss. She was truly such a beautiful person and I am a better person for having known her. Rest in peace sweet lady.

So miss this light in my life. <br /><br />

November 17, 2017

Oh Barb. Ill miss all of the laughs. Love you so

November 17, 2017

I so miss this beautiful light in my life. We shared so many laughs and tears. Love, loved,Love her and your family love tray

Naomi Urquidez

November 13, 2017

Well I'm thinking of how to bless u as much as u blessed me & my family! I wished I could've spent more time with u & my little family! Life to short but u were my absolute fav u always brought a smile to us!

Mary Bayham

November 13, 2017

To Barbie's Family and Friends- I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy at this sad time. Mary Bayham

November 10, 2017

My deepest sympathy for Barbi's family and her friends. Cherish her memories and may the God of all comfort and the promise he gives at John 6:40 bring peace in this difficult time.

Jackie Watson Johnson

November 10, 2017

I'm an saddened to hear of Barbi's passing. We worked together a long time ago when we were young whippersnappers and connected instantly. Although we had lost contact I was very fond of her. Barbi was one of a kind. She loved her family and was very proud of them all. I'm sorry we weren't able to meet one last time. Godspeed Barbi!
My deepest condolences to all her loved ones.

"Clothe yourselves with Love" Colossians 3:14

November 9, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Bill and Gwen Stalnaker

November 9, 2017

our deepest sympathy to the Neary family.

Patty Bayham Mazier

November 8, 2017

Barbi will be greatly missed by me and my family . She was a wonderful friend . Barbi was a strong , courageous and compassionate woman. She made me a better person in many ways. I learned quite a bit about style from her -whether it was about yourself, your house or the party you were throwing. Barbi taught me how to give and to give generously to others less fortunate. My family and I are thankful for all the love and kindness that she has shown to us.

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