Barbara Strande
Published 12:33 pm Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Barbara Ann Strande, 89, of Bowling Green passed away at home, in her sleep at 2 am on Friday, March 28, 2025. Her passing was peaceful, with her only child, her son, Steven Koontz of Bowling Green, by her side.
She was born November 10, 1935 in Streator, Illinois to her parents, Henry and Millie Seroka who preceded her in death. Barbara started her journey in nursing at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois then Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
She received her nursing degree at Boston University and continued her education with a Bachelor of Science in Education at Western Kentucky University, and a Masters Degree in Education at the University of Kentucky. Barbara had worked all her life; 25 years as a nurse and 25 years as Associate Professor in the Nursing Department at Western Kentucky University from 1975 to 2001.
Barbara always enjoyed that so many of her former students would come up to her and thank her for her teachings while at doctor appointments at Graves Gilbert Clinic or during hospital stays at The Medical Center or Greenview Hospital. She kept in contact with friends and colleagues her entire life.
After retiring she became active in real estate for more than 25 years, partnering with her son, Steven until her untimely passing. Barbara realized the impact of her generation as she was born during the Silent Generation and lived as a nurse through the Baby Boomers and teaching to Generation X, the Millennials and so forth where she saw many innovations and news events that lead her to being current and active in life.
She loved to travel. She was organized and efficient, planning and attending appointments, luncheons, meetings, events, and projects. She was strong, independent, and a fighter to the end. Barbara worked in her flower garden each year and looked forward to planting her vegetable garden.
Later in her real estate career she enjoyed working with her son, comparison shopping for materials and pricing, organizing, and doing projects. She was a Mom, best friend, and a blessing to her son, Steven and will be missed but is now taking on the role of a Guardian Angel for guidance.
She was very active in the Red Cross, St. Jude and AARP.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 3 pm until 7 pm at the J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Chapel on Broadway and again on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 9 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong parishioner.
Her burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Barbara A. Strande WKU Nursing Memorial Scholarship Fund College Heights Foundation, 1703 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101.
