Obituary
What does it mean to live a remarkable life? From city to city, culture to culture, person to person, you might think the answer differs. Is it remarkable to have a beautiful, loving family? Is it remarkable to work a career that is one’s passion? Is it remarkable to find the most pleasure in the simplest moments? The answer, though, on all accounts is yes. The greatest life distilled is exactly this: simple, compassionate, and pure. And every day, this was how Barbara Uhlinger (formerly Buchner) lived, until her death on July 7, 2023, in her home in Dunnellon, Florida.
Born Barbara Gadomski on February 26, 1952 – the daughter of Charlotte and Edmund Gadomski – she grew up on Sanford Avenue in Amsterdam, New York. Barb was the middle child of three girls, including Carol and Ann Marie. In her youth, Barb loved the outdoors and animals, and was – using the language of the time – a bit of a tomboy. As a teenager, she volunteered as a “candy striper” at the hospital and dreamed of potentially joining the Army as a nurse to travel the world. In her senior year of high school, Barb visited London on a class trip, which fueled her passion. Barb went on to obtain her associate degree in nursing from Fulton-Montgomery Community College, and while this set her on a different course than her youthful dream of the service, it was no less fulfilling. Always a responsible and compassionate child, she made it a point to join the workforce as a nurse so she could help others daily, because at her core, this is who Barb was – big-hearted and charitable. Barb worked as a nurse for more than four and a half decades, and even in her retirement she continued to volunteer in the nursing community. Along the way she raised three sons and nine dogs, loved spending time in the sun, and was maybe the most generous wife, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother you’ve ever met. In short, she knew what brought herself (and others) joy and realizing that was her mission.
Barb is survived by her husband James Uhlinger; her mother Charlotte Gadomski; her two sisters: Carol Baines and Ann Marie Sandford; her three sons: Clinton Buchner, Travis Buchner, and Craig Buchner and his wife Alexis Dane; her seven grandchildren: Delphine Buchner, James Uhlinger III, Ashlynn Uhlinger, Jason Uhlinger II, Madison Uhlinger, Chance Uhlinger, and Brandon Uhlinger; and one great granddaughter Harley Uhlinger. Barb was also a member of the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon, Florida.
Even though Barbara Uhlinger is no longer among the living, as a devout Christian, her spirit lives on. And while the news of her passing may come as a shock, it’s important to take this moment to close your eyes, breathe in, and to smile for her; because Barb was a beautiful human – kind and thoughtful – and she truly made the most of every day that was gifted to her. Barb Uhlinger lived a remarkable life.
The family requests that any memorials be directed to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief charity.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the First Methodist Church in Dunnellon, Florida.
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