Barbara Ann Nielsen

Barbara Ann Nielsen, née Barnhart, 90, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Born August 31, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Miriam (Shanahan) Barnhart, and sister of the late Diane Fleming. Barbara attended Nottingham High School, and graduated from Syracuse University in 1957 where she received a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood and special education and she was a devoted member of Phi Mu Sorority.

During her time at Syracuse University, she met her late husband, Henry Nielsen, whom she married in 1956. Together, they had two children and resided in Syracuse, New York.

She is survived by her two children, Robert (Alicia) Nielsen, of Guilderland, New York, and Lorraine (David) Jacobsohn, of Acton, Massachusetts, as well as 4 grandsons, Robert Nielsen, Bradley, Sheldon, and Clark Jacobsohn, and two granddaughters, Victoria and Elizabeth Nielsen.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 am, at the New Apostolic Church, 2389 Curry Road, Schenectady, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to the National Federation of the Blind by clicking the link below, and/or National Federation of the Blind, Attn: Outreach, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.