Barbara Minnella
Barbara Minnella
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Barbara Minnella Obituary
Born on April 2, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, Barbara dedicated her life to the field of nursing. She pursued her education at the Providence School of Nursing in Detroit and went on to have a lifelong career in the profession. Her dedication and leadership extended beyond patient care, as she also served as president of various professional associations throughout her career.
Barbara found joy in creative pursuits such as crafts, reading, and painting. Her artistic spirit and love for learning were evident in all aspects of her life.
She was a beloved mother to her sons John (Jane) and Gary (Betty). Barbara was also a beloved grandparent to Mckenzie, Heather, Anthony, Michael Paul II, Anita, Kelly, and Kim. Her legacy continues through her nine great-grandchildren. Barbara was predeceased in death by her husband Ciro and sons Michael and David.
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Rosalie Balek Pauck
May 30, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the Minnella family. I remember having some pretty good times at your house hanging around the pool. Your mom was the best and she had all the girl cousins over there swimming too. She will be greatly missed and I will keep her in my prayers during this difficult time for you and your family.
Your cousin,
Rosalie Balek Pauck
Norm
May 25, 2025
My condolences on the passing of your mother, grandmother
Carol McCartney
May 12, 2025
I worked with Barbara for many years at TMC in Labor and Delivery. She was a great nurse, role model, and person. I learned a lot from her. Rest in Peace Barb.
Patty Sleger
May 9, 2025
I worked with Barb for years at TMC labor and delivery. I remember her fondly. She had a great wit and loved her job.
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Lori (Smidt) Finn
May 9, 2025
Barbara was the charge nurse on the 3-11 shift when I was a "new" RN in labor and delivery at Tucson Medical Center in 1984. I was wet behind the ears with lack of experience in my field. She became a great mentor to me and I learned so much from her and her leadership and experience. I admired her strength, fortitude, grace, and commitment to her profession. She wax definitely a role model for me!!!!! I remember fondly her stopping after work to get gas at a gas station close to TMC after a long shift. Up rolled a car with a mother ready to give birth who couldn´t make it to the hospital in time. I truly believe God put Barbara there as an angel in waiting as He knew she would be needed to bring that new life safely into the world!!!!!
Rest in peace my dear friend. Until we meet again!
My deepest sympathies to the family on your loss.
Lisa Ann Minnella
April 2, 2025
Aunt Barb worked hard to make sure all the "cousins" made memories together either running around her pool in the hot Detroit summers or creating games at the annual family picnics in Chandler Park. I remember her distinct laugh on Christmas eves at her sister-in-law, Aunt Jo's house and visiting when the family moved to Arizona. I am sure she inspired more young nurses than she knew and launched hundreds of babies into the world with a heavy dose of love and hugs. I will miss "butt dialing" her and laughing hysterically with her, before we enjoyed some catch-up time. It didn't happen often but it was so fun when it did. Simply the best, that was Aunt Barb.
Fran and Roger Deshaies
April 2, 2025
Our deepest condolences.
Gail williams foster
April 2, 2025
Barbara was a ray of sunshine in the world. I was so sad when the family moved from Sherwood. She was a mentor to me even at that early days as I became a nurse also. She let me play dress up with her wedding gown. I felt so blessed. Love to you all Gail williams Foster.
Gary Minnella
March 27, 2025
Mom, throughout the years
Kimberly Staten
March 16, 2025
I met Grandma when I was 10 years old when my mom and Gary (her son) got married. She always treated my sister and I like we were her own grandchildren. I remember vacations to Arizona, all hopping in the van to go shopping and always eating the endless beef jerky my grandma would buy.
I am so happy we made a trip two summers ago so she could meet my family Justin, Reese, Chloe and Connor. I remembering watching her and Reese chatting with one another and it made my heart smile. You will be missed Grandma!
Abraham R. Byrd III, M.D.
March 13, 2025
Barbara and Ciro Minnella were dear friends and patients of mine for years, and Barbara basically "completed" my medical education. She was director of nursing at tiny Benson Hospital when I was assigned there by the National Health Service Corps, fresh out of Residency in Family Medicine. She was the consummate professional, and made sure the patients were cared for appropriately. And she did not mind taking on anyone to protect the patients. There was a time the Hospital decided to pay doctors from Tucson to help cover the emergency room. But they would not pay those of us who lived there - we were expected to be on call and cover for free. So we refused to cover the ER. That got Barbara's Irish up. She came in to where the doctors were and read us the riot act: she could care less about our quarrel with the Hospital administration, she would not allow any patients coming in not to receive care. Knowing Barbara, and recognizing that she was right, all of us meekly complied. She remained a force for good wherever she served as a nurse and occupied positions of trust as charge nurse in multiple hospital settings. She was loved and respected, and will be deeply missed.
Abraham R. Byrd III, M.D.
Vallee
March 12, 2025
What a lovely tribute to a woman that gave so much taking care of others. Our condolences. Kathy and Don Vallee
Corky Fisher
March 11, 2025
Your life was well lived. Love you, Aunt Barb.
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