Barbara Bardsley

Barbara Lea Bardsley, 78, of Lisbon, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Pinicon Senior Living, Anamosa, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barbara was born on September 17, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Julia (Puffer) Jack. She was united in marriage to John Bardsley on August 1, 1975. They spent 50 lovely years together, sharing parenthood, a business, laughs, and ice cream.

Barbara worked at the Southeast Linn Community Center for 17 years as a volunteer coordinator and then assistant director. Barb and John also owned and worked at Prairie Garden Center in Mount Vernon for 14 years, where she served as florist, and John, a landscaper. Together they brought joy to so many with flowers and trees.

Barbara had a deep love for her family, baking, theater, art, music, dance, and The Beatles. With her gentle, kind spirit she endeared all who knew her. She radiated compassion, acceptance and grace and will be missed on Earth immensely. She was the kind of mom everyone wishes they had: the kind that left you notes in your lunchbox and never failed to tell you how proud she was of you.

Barbara made everything more graceful and beautiful. She was the person who cried at Folger's 'home for the holidays' commercials, was moved by books, and appreciated the simple pleasures of life. She gave real hugs, was eager to help anyone in need (including stray cats), and had a creative eye for everything. Simply put, Barbara was the person who no one could say a bad word about because she was just that sweet and joyful. She believed in forgiveness, had an incredible green thumb, and made the best lemon meringue pie in the world. She loved fiercely, and without condition. We know she is frosting cookies in Heaven and refilling coffee cups. Cheers to you, Barb. You were golden.

A heartfelt thank you to Suncrest Hospice who were angels to us as they cared for Barb in her final days. We are also incredibly grateful for the love and care given by the Pinicon Place Memory Care staff in Anamosa over the past three years.

Barbara is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Mary (Chris) Kilburg; step-daughter, Robyn (Dennis) Pearson; siblings, Patricia Coon, and Sue Sullivan-Smith; close cousin, Patrice Kiefer, and many nieces & nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and dear brother, Michael Jack.

Donations in her memory can be made to Southeast Linn Community Center in Lisbon, Iowa, where she worked, volunteered and loved people.