Barbara Lee Elliott, 66, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on September 18, 2018 surrounded by her family at her "summer home" in Glenwood, IA. The daughter of George and Dolores "Mary" (Hernandez) Cheesman, Barb was born on September 3, 1952 in Camden, NJ. She graduated from Sterling High School in Stratford, NJ in 1970. She married her best friend, Mike Elliott, on January 2, 1976 in Colorado Springs, CO, where they met while he served in the United States Air Force.
Barb received her RN from Mercer Nursing School in Trenton, NJ and worked at St. Joseph Creighton Hospital from 1976 to 2014. She volunteered for Hernia Repair for the Underserved (HRFU), organizing surgery missions and devoting countless hours caring for patients in underserved regions of the Caribbean (Dominican Republic and Guatemala).
Barb was an avid baker, famous among her friends and colleagues for her bread, sweet treats, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and wedding cakes. She lived to travel and frequented Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Florida. In 2017, she and Mike bought their dream condo in Florida.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Cassario. She is survived by her husband (and still best friend), Mike Elliott of Cape Coral, FL; children, Greg (Ellie Hoefler) Elliott of Omaha, NE, Kyle (Megan) Olson of Walnut Grove, CA, Brian (Caelan) Elliott of Bennington, NE, and daughter Naeda Elliott of Glenwood, IA; grandchildren, Haiden, Hattie, Maddy, Max and Mav; brother George (Sue) Cheesman of Franklinville, NJ; other relatives; her nursing family; and a host of friends.
Private family services will be held. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Glenwood in charge of arrangements.
Memorials: Directed to the family
Tributes
David Cheesman wrote on Nov 20, 2018:
"I am most sincerely sorry for the loss of this lady. May it be of some comfort to know that others, including members of The 'Cheesman / Cheeseman Families Reunion', and I care and that prayers are said for this beautiful spirited soul. God bless Barbara's entire family and friends. "
Dee Wicks wrote on Sep 29, 2018:
" I didn't know Barb well but that times that I met her she always had a smile and was a joy to visit with. Working with Mike for many years, I saw Barb through his eyes. He was so in love with her and proudly shared his heart about their bond. My sympathy to Mike and family, Dee Wicks, Social Worker at Methodist Jennie Edmundson "
Tammy McDonald wrote on Sep 27, 2018:
"Barb was truely a gift from God. She endlessly shared her amazing talents with all, and most of all her unwavering love for others. I will NEVER forget her generosity of giving ?time? to anyone in need. Such a role model for all to follow. We should all try and ?Live Like Barb?. "
Tammy McDonald wrote on Sep 27, 2018:
"Barb was truely a gift from God. She endlessly shared her amazing talents with all, and most of all her unwavering love for others. I will NEVER forget her generosity of giving ?time? to anyone in need. Such a role model for all to follow. We should all try and ?Live Like Barb?. "