Barbara Ann Willett

1939 - 2025

Barbara Ann Willett, 86, of Bardstown, a cherished aunt, great aunt and friend, passed away on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown.   Born on May 9, 1939, in Fredericksburg, Ky., to James P. and Sabina Filiatreau Willett, Barbara was a lifelong resident of Louisville until her return to Bardstown about 20 years ago.

Barbara had a vibrant and infectious personality.  She made her presence known!  Among her career endeavors, she was a production manager for the Louisville Palace, where her creativity and leadership left a lasting impact. Most recently, she dedicated herself to her role as a counselor in drug court for Nelson County, helping individuals navigate their paths to recovery.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved parents; a brother, James P. "Jimmy" (Barbara Spalding) Willett; a sister, Mary Todd (Robert) Kirby of Mobile, Ala.; and her dear great-nephew, Simon Willett.

She is survived by her sister, Sherry (Mike) Foushee of Columbus, Ind.; Sherry's children, nephew, Jed (Rebecca) Boswell of Austin, Texas; a niece, Lauren (Nathan) Arnett of Herron, Ill.; Meghan (Eric) Carungcong of Long Beach, Calif.; and Evan (Ashley) Boswell of Shelbyville.

Barbara is also survived by her brother, Jimmy's children, nephew, Jimmy (Ruth) Willett, and their children, Haley (David) Osborne, J.P. (Savannah) Willett, and Caroline Willett (Walker Peterson); nephew, Mike (Patty) Willett and their daughter, Whitney (Jake) Kaslow of Nashville; nephew, Jeff (Meredith) Willett and their daughter, Laura Laine Barnhill, of Lexington; nephew, Gabe (Tricia) Willett and their children, Kasey (Johnathan) Vanvactor, of Bardstown, and Jacob Willett of Elizabethtown; nephew, Kyle (Lynn) Willett and their children, Tori Whaley (Caleb Gibson) and Brett Whaley (Annie Becker) of Fisherville; and Barbara's sister, Mary Todd's children, Kris (Bill) Schaffer and Kevin (Monica) Kirby, all of Mobile, Ala.

Barbara's warm spirit, vivacious personality, her unwavering dedication, and loving presence will be profoundly missed by all her family and all who knew her. In honoring her memory, let us continue to spread kindness and compassion, just as she did throughout her life.

The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bluegrass Assisted Living.

Her funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown.  A private interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.