Barbara J. Nellis, 74, a resident of 553 W. Fifth St., Oswego, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at St. Luke Health Services.

Born in Patchogue, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Natalie (Chevalley) Brinley.

She was a 1957 graduate of Syracuse University's School of Nursing.

Barbara worked as a registered nurse at Oswego Hospital for more than 36 years, retiring in 1999 as the nurse manager in the obstetrical department.

She served on the board of directors at St. Luke Health Services.

Surviving are her life partner, Dr. Joseph Mather; a daughter, Susan (Peter) Arts, of Del Ray Beach, Fla.; two sons, Michael (Linda) Nellis and Patrick (Theresa) Nellis, both of Syracuse; two brothers, William (Joe Viola) Brinley and Richard (Michael Macerello) Brinley, both of Florida; stepchildren, Katherine (Michael) Herrmann, Joseph (Vicki) Mather, Christopher (Mary Lou) Mather, Patrick (Lois) Mather, Timothy (Deborah) Mather and Daniel (Cindy) Mather; grandchildren, Katherine Arts, Harrison Arts, Shayna Nellis; step grandchildren, Joseph Mather, Caroline Mather, Elizabeth Mather, William Mather, Sarah Mather, James Mather, Jeffery Mather, Thomas Mather, Danielle Mather and Ellen Mather, and Alexander and Olivia Herrmann.

She was predeceased by her husband, professor David Nellis.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, at St. Stephen's Church, Oswego.

Contributions may be made at St. Luke Health Services, the Oswego Hospital or St. Stephen's Church.