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1938-2026
Nila Jane Barrett, 88, of Columbiana, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sept. 18, 2026, at her home with her loving husband by her side.
Jane was born Aug. 26, 1938, in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, to John and Lela Bertschy. She graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1956 and married the love of her life, Robert Barrett, on Sept. 7, 1957. She went on to graduate from the East Liverpool City Hospital School of Nursing, launching a career devoted to caring for others. For 26 years, Jane worked as a surgical nurse at East Liverpool City Hospital, a role that reflected the compassionate spirit that defined her entire life.
As a true lover of nature, Jane loved camping, biking, and boating. When she was home, she could often be found on her sunporch, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, or the Ohio State Buckeyes. But more than any hobby, Jane's true passion was taking care of the people she loved. She was a phenomenal cook who used every meal as a chance to nourish and gather her family, and she was always the loudest voice in anyone's corner when they needed support. Jane had a rare gift for putting others before herself, giving her time, her energy, and her heart without ever expecting anything in return. She took particular joy in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, delighting in the wonderful people they became.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lela Bertschy; her daughter, Hope Elizabeth; her sister, Marlene Shawke; and her brother, Robert Bertschy.
She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Robert Barrett; her children, Catherine Green of Louisville, Ohio and Robert (Shelly) Barrett of Wapakoneta, Ohio; her grandchildren, Jordan (Kaitlyn) Green of Carrollton, Ohio, Bryant (Kendal) Green of Magnolia, Ohio, Olivia (Stephen) Ericksen of Dellroy, Ohio, Evan (Blair) Barrett of Van Wert, Ohio, and Bailey Barrett of Bowling Green, Ohio; her great-grandchildren, Aiden, Aubrey, Callan, Byron, Malcolm, and Tyson; along with several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved feline companion, Mama Cat.
Jane's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Patriot Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Jane in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jane's memory to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406, or to Patriot Cares, 986 Tibbetts-Wick Road, Girard, Ohio 44420.
Final arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Chapel of Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists in Calcutta, Ohio. No formal services are currently scheduled; a Celebration of Jane's Life will be held at a later date.
9/21/16