Barbara Ellen Traylor

Barbara Ellen “Bobbie” Traylor of Metairie, LA passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on September 22, 2026, with her children by her side. Barbara was born in Sunnyside, NY on July 16, 1944, to the late Warren Taylor and Patricia Seabury Dagenhart. After living in Alaska and Texas for a short time she eventually settled in New Orleans where she attended Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, Loyola University and received her nursing degree from Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in 1965.

Barbara devoted her life to serving others as a registered nurse and as a volunteer at East Jefferson Hospital. She was also an election worker. She loved gathering with family and friends and worked tirelessly to make every occasion special. Devoted to her family, she was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, brothers, and sister. She was fiercely independent, playful, and compassionate. Her Catholic faith was deeply important to her and gave her strength and comfort during the difficult times in her life. Her involvement in Al-Anon also provided support and encouragement through challenging times and brought many lifelong friends into her life. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, crafting, decorating, the Rockettes, the arts, New York pretzels, and ice cream. Barbara was deeply loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Barbara is survived by her brothers, David Taylor and William Bell; her daughter, Kathleen Stemke; her son, John Stemke II; her grandchildren, Meghan Stemke, Sel Rogers, John “Drew” Stemke III, and Ashleigh Stemke; her great-grandson, James Stemke; her nephew, Brian Bell; her nieces, Tiffany Rehr and Vicki Bell Meyer; five great-nieces and great-nephews; and three great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, J. Lawrence and Adelaide Seabury, who held a special place in her heart; her mother, Patricia Seabury Dagenhart; her father, Warren Taylor; and her sister, Joan Dowling.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of her deeply cherished life at a visitation on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.