Barbara Hollefreund

Barbara Helen Hollefreund, 80, of Henderson, Nev., formerly of Butler, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021, at her home under hospice care.

She was born May 23, 1940, in Butler. She was the daughter of the late Walter A. and Helen M. Hollefreund.

She attended and graduated from Butler High School, and then attended Metropolitan Nursing School in Cleveland, Ohio, graduating with an RN in 1961.

She began her career at Metro as a supervisor, and her career trajectory took off from there. She landed at Mount Sinai Hospital in 1981 as associate vice president of nursing. She completely revamped their nursing programs by implementing primary care nursing, leadership training, programs to support new nurses entering the field, and always supported the nurse at the bedside to achieve better patient outcomes.

She returned to Baldwin Wallace College, where she graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and in 1988, she graduated with her MBA. Because of her dedication and leadership, she achieved the title of senior vice president of patient services.

She retired from Mount Sinai in 1996, and moved to Henderson, Nev., but for several years her counsel and advice regarding nursing were still sought after.

She was a champion for nursing and patients her entire life.

She is survived by one brother, Thomas W. (Diana) Hollefreund; her lifelong friend, Kathleen Butler; one cousin, Sue Zulick-Check; four nephews, Thomas W., Brian S., Eric C. and William W. Hollefreund; two great-nephews; three great-nieces; and one great-great-niece.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William F. Hollefreund.