Obituary

Barbara Anne (Turner) Kolibal, 74, of Flemington, NJ passed away on February 14, 2026.

Born on July 6, 1951 in Lancaster, UK, she was the daughter of Margaret (Currie) and Geoffrey Turner, both preceding her in death.

Barbara was a dedicated nurse (RN) who was also devoted to her family.

Her life journey began in England with an opportunity to study at the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She subsequently chose to pursue a career in nursing, training at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. Upon coming to the US, she started her career as a psychiatric nurse at Princeton House in Princeton, NJ, then pursuing similar work around the country until she retired in 2018 from Yale New Haven Hospital. She was calm, compassionate, and was recognized for her ability to care for those with mental illness.

Foremost, Barbara was caring, and was committed to the humanities and to her own humanity.

Barbara enjoyed birds, butterflies and gardens, and was most enchanted by flowers. Her lifelong passion was singing. Having the gift of a lovely voice, she found joy and fulfillment in making herself heard. She joined community and church choirs and sang at every opportunity, all while finding that connection to the arts going back to her start at the Guildhall. She loved poetry, reading and sketching, and just conversing and engaging with others. Above all, she could listen.

She is survived by her spouse, Joseph Kolibal, her daughter, Laura Brandt (Justin), her sister Jill Crampton, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and her grandchildren, whom she adored more than life itself - Harper, Drew, Avery and Bryn.

Barbara was a beautiful, calming presence in this world, who effortlessly brought comfort to others in so many ways. She could reach out and connect with a smile that was always there. She will forever be dearly missed.