Barbara Lee Olmstead

Barbara Olmstead, 81, of Olathe, beloved wife of James Olmstead, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022 at Forest Creek Memory Care.

Born May 11, 1940, she was the only child of the late Richard Varley and Nellie Kozak Varley.

Barbara grew up in Westport, CT and graduated from Staples High School and St. Vincent's School of Nursing. She worked at St. Vincent's Hospital, as well as the private practice of Dr. Solway until staying at home to raise her daughter. When returning to work, she provided in-home nursing care for patients throughout Fairfield County. She later worked in the insurance industry and retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut.

Barbara was a devoted mother and never missed a softball game or swim meet. She enjoyed bowling and was in a competitive league at Westport Lanes where she earned the Triple Crown for achieving high game, high series, and high average in the same season. Barbara was also an avid golfer and an active member of the women's leagues at golf courses in Wallingford, Connecticut; Pawleys Island, South Carolina; and Inverness, Florida. When not playing golf, she and Jim traveled throughout Europe and sailed on more than 20 cruises.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jim, her daughter Kathy Zammataro and son-in-law, Phil, and grandson Michael.

There will not be a viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m. Barbara will be laid to rest at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, Connecticut.