Barbara K. (Cairns) Nelson

Barbara K. Nelson (Cairns), 84, of Girard, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday December 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on June 11, 1940, to the late Martin and Nina (Kennedy) Cairns.

Barbara graduated from Academy High School in 1958. Following high school, she worked for Prudential Life Insurance for several years. She later met her loving husband, Larry Nelson of 64 years. After their marriage, Barbara became a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising their children.

In 1979, Barbara and Larry opened The General Store in Sterrettania. The store was a cherished family endeavor, where they created countless lasting memories. They operated the store until 1988. In 2013, Barbara and Larry moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, settling in the quaint  historic town of Sandwich. They spent nine years there before returning to Pennsylvania to be closer to their family.

Barbara was a devoted woman of faith and a long-standing member of the Federated Church of East Springfield. She served her church community for nearly 40 years, working in the nursery.

In her free time, Barbara enjoyed knitting, sewing, quilting, and making outfits for her children when they were growing up. She was passionate about tracing her family’s Scottish genealogy, but her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Larry Nelson; her daughters, Nancy White (Gary) and Amy Nelson (Jim); her son, Mark Nelson (Lexie); her grandchildren, Julie Beal (Justin), Luke White (Casey), Laura Riley (Shane), Leslie Zellefrow (Matthew), Corey Nelson, and Lane Nelson; her step-grandchildren, Mackenzie Mustin and Cameron Mustin; and her great-grandchildren, Lydia White, Hannah White, Gideon White, Derek Zellefrow, and Natalie Zellefrow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's name may be made to WLD Ranch, 7351 Woolsey Rd, Girard, PA 16417.

Friends may call on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main Street E, Girard, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow the services at Fairview Cemetery.

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