Barbara Jane Day

Barbara Jane Olson was born on April 30, 1946, in Staples, Minnesota, to parents Glen and May Olson. After a long battle with multiple myeloma, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 22, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 79.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard Earl Day Jr. and their children, Elizabeth LeGrand (Fain), Rebecca Nimnicht (Lee), Jonathan Day (Malinda), and Lydia Perez (Albert Jr.); grandchildren Hannah Finley (Taylor), Rachel Love (Chandler), William LeGrand (Kendra), Peter LeGrand (Katie), Andrew LeGrand (Isabelle), Abigail LeGrand, Olivia Perez, Harper Day, Emma Nimnicht, Lee Nimnicht, and Ace Perez; four great-grandchildren; sisters Marylis Carpenter and Dee Norling (Palmer); and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara is predeceased in death by her parents, Glen and May Olson; her sister, Judy VanHillyer; and her grandson, Owen Day.

Barbara grew up in Northern Minnesota as the youngest of four girls. She graduated from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was a dedicated educator who loved teaching children to read. However, her greatest joy came from being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a deep passion for gardening and baking, especially when it came to making sweet rolls from her mother's cherished recipe. Barbara found immense joy in teaching her grandchildren how to bake, not only passing down skills but also creating memories and building strong bonds with each of them.

Barbara was often seen taking her daily walks through the neighborhood, a familiar and comforting presence to those who knew her. While walking, she would talk on the phone with her beloved sisters, sharing laughter, stories, and the latest news from back home in Minnesota. These conversations were a treasured part of her day.

Barbara truly embodied a servant’s heart—not only in her words, but in her actions. In 1997, she made the selfless and life-giving decision to donate one of her kidneys to her sister Judy. Barbara’s generosity, courage, and quiet strength continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Barbara had a deep and abiding faith, as well as a profound love for Jesus, which shaped every aspect of her life. She found great joy and purpose in studying Scripture and cherished the fellowship she shared with her Bible study group at Christ Church Presbyterian. Her spiritual wisdom and unwavering trust in God were a source of inspiration to those around her. Barbara was a loyal friend, a trusted confidant, and a compassionate counselor to many. Whether offering a listening ear, heartfelt advice, or simply her quiet presence, she had a unique gift for making others feel seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Her kindness, humility, and grace left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Thank you to Dr. Sher at Mayo Clinic for being her oncologist for over 10 years and providing compassionate care. Thank you to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, especially Kristine Bromley and Leah Goodman, for the exceptional care and support provided during her final months.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00AM at Christ Church Presbyterian, 9794 Old Saint Augustine Road Jacksonville, FL 32257 with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Christ Church Presbyterian or Community Hospice & Palliative Care.