Ms. Barbara Ann Somers Olekna, 76 yrs of age, passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She was born to Russell and Mary Somers.

She grew up in Cadosia, N.Y and attended Hancock Central School. She graduated with a Regents diploma in the Class of 1965 and was a Clarinetist. She was accepted into Juilliard's Famous college of music. She opted to persue her studies at Marywood University in accounting and veterinary studies. Upon her father, Russell Somers, demise, she was forced to end her collegiate studies and become the breadwinner of the household.

She married David Olekna, son of John and Grace Olekna.

She worked as a Nursing Administrator at St. Peter's University Hospital for 35yrs.

She is survived by beloved daughter, Michelle Olekna, her ex-husband David Olekna, longtime friend of 35 years and caregiver in her last two years, Jeanine Hornby; nephews, nieces and cousins: Steven and Susan Sisco, Michael and Karen Sisco, Garry Sisco, Scott Sisco, Bryan Sisco, Christopher Sisco, Sandra McClean, Pamela Mohrman, Kathryn Mohrmann, Valerie Mohrmann and Eric Mohrmann.

A Funeral Mass and burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Hancock NY on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 11:15AM. Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Hancock.

In lieu of flowers donation may be sent to: Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, 29 E. Main St., Hancock, NY 13783 (As she did not have any life insurance) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org.

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.