Barbara A O'Leary

Barbara Ann O’Leary (Fowler), age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Born on March 2, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky, Barbara lived a full and vibrant life centered around family, friendship, and kindness to others.

She was known for her generous spirit and her ability to make everyone feel like family. She was “Mom” not only to her children, but to many people she met throughout her life. Whether family, friends, or strangers, Barbara had a way of welcoming others with warmth, humor, and open arms.

She began her working years in a hospital and later dedicated 40 years to Dixie Bowl, where she worked in the snack bar and nursery. She truly loved her time there and formed countless friendships, never meeting a stranger. Her joyful personality, quick wit, and love of laughter made her a favorite among coworkers and customers alike.

Barbara had a zest for life and was always on the go. She enjoyed movies, trips to the casino, and playing bingo. Sitting still was never her style, she was happiest when she was out and about, sharing laughs and making memories.

She is survived by her loving children: Colleen A. O’Leary; Kathleen M. Davidson (Randy, deceased); Mary “Patty” P. Blanton (Darrell); Maureen R. Minter (Duane); Timothy O’Leary (Carol); and Michael S. O’Leary (Kimberly). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Katrina Cox, Dannie Merrell, Kevin Davidson, Dillon Blanton (Lacey) Megan Blanton, Austin Turk, MacKenzie Palmer (Tanner) Thomas O'Leary, Samantha O'Leary, Michaela O'Leary, Rachael O'Leary, Matthew Rollins (Kayla) and Robert Rollins; great-grandchild, Ian Blanton and Maverick Blanton; her sister, Donna Lueke; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and dear friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Pat” O’Leary; her granddaughter, Samantha Jo Cox; grandson Jonathan Chancey, her parents, Chester Frances Fowler and Harriett Elizabeth Fowler (Wheatley); her brothers, Thomas, Joseph, and Theodore Fowler; and her sisters, Marge Singleton, Helen Binder, Alice Murray, Emma Jean Dierking, and Rita Lincoln.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Advantage Funeral Home, 10907 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40272. Visitation will continue Thursday, March 26, 2026 morning at the same location from 10:00 AM until the time of procession to Funeral Mass at 11:30.

For those who plan to pay their last respects at the Funeral Home on Thursday, it is requested by the family to be at the Funeral Home no later than 11:00 am to provide time to enter into the processional line and pay your last respects.

The Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 PM at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5433 Johnsontown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40272. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, 279 Landis Lane, Mt. Washington, Kentucky 40047.