Barbara L. Jesz, 81, of the Town of Niagara, NY, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026, at Northgate Manor, following a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Born in Clovis, NM, Barbara was the daughter of the late Willis Fox and Beatrice (McKenzie) Fox-Cochran. As a child, she moved with her family to Niagara Falls, where she was raised and later graduated from Niagara Falls High School. Dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others, Barb graduated from the Millard Fillmore School of Nursing in 1966 and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Niagara University. On June 22, 1968 she married the love of her life, John F. Jesz at the former Holy Trinity Church.

Barb began her nursing career at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center before serving as the Director of Health and Safety for the American Red Cross for more than 19 years. She later continued her distinguished career as a Public Health Nurse for the Niagara County Health Department until her retirement. Never one to step away from helping others, Barb returned to nursing following retirement, providing compassionate care through Niagara Hospice and the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District.

As a longtime member of the American Red Cross disaster response team, she answered the call wherever help was needed. She notably volunteered following the crash of TWA Flight 800, where her dedication and service were recognized by President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. Barb also served as part of the disaster response team to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. She was dispatched to the World Trade Center just hours after the attacks, she devoted more than two weeks providing aid and support.

Barb was an active member of several nursing organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Medical Reserve Corps. Her commitment to serving others continued well into retirement, volunteering her time until her illness no longer allowed her to do so in May of 2026.

A devout Catholic, Barb was a longtime member of St. Leo’s Church, where she faithfully served on the Bereavement Committee and as the Parish Nurse. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed crocheting, tending to her gardens, painting, attending plays and movies, and reading. Above all, Barbara cherished her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with those she loved, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 58 years, Barb is survived by two children, Stephen A. (Nikki) Jesz and Christopher M. (Toni) Jesz, and was sadly predeceased by her son, John M. Jesz. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Veronica (Ethan) Sterry, John (Wendy) Jesz, Joshua Jesz, Alexa Jesz, Cole Jesz, Brody Jesz, Reed Jesz, Peyton Jesz and Jackson Jesz; her siblings, Richard W. (Barbara) Fox, Dr. Shiela (Robert) Crochan-Cross and Ronald (Tammy) Cochran; her sister-in-law, Betty (Michael) Parsnick, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 29 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Barbara’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 30 at 12:30 PM at St. Leo’s Church, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Entombment will be held privately at the convenience of the family at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice or Roswell Park Cancer. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.