Barbara (Neilson) Himelein, 81, of Asheville, NC, formerly of Gowanda, died Oct. 12, 2004 at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community.
     Mrs. Himelein was a 1940 graduate of Gowanda High School. She received her R.N. degree from Buffalo General Hospital in 1946, and subsequently earned a school nurse teacher certification and a bachelor of science degree from Empire State College. She recently participated in the College for Seniors program at the NC Center for Creative Retirement in Asheville, NC.
     She retired from the Gowanda school district in 1989, having worked as a school nurse teacher for 22 years. She was an officer in the District I New York State School Nurse Teachers Association, an American Red Cross CPR instructor, a longtime member of the Episcopal Church Women’s organization, and active participant in the summer program at the Chautauqua Institution.
     She continued her involvement in politics after moving to Asheville in 2001, volunteered at Mountain Area Hospice and Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), and became a member of the Episcopal Church Order of the Daughters of the King.
     An avid golfer, she was the first women’s club champion at Gowanda Country Club. She also enjoyed playing bridge and sewing.
     She was the wife of the late Levant “Hoppie” Himelein Jr, mother of Larry (Julie) Himelein of Gowanda; Neil (Sue Weimer) Himelein of Wilmington, DE, Deborah Himelein (Michael) Cole of Greenville, SC, Hans (Janice Kyle) Himelein of Elizabethtown, and Melissa Himelein (Dale Wachowiak) of Asheville, NC; also survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
     A memorial service was held at St. Giles Chapel, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville. Memorials may be made to St. Giles Chapel, Mountain Area Hospice or ABCCM.
     Arrangements were by Schindler Funeral Home, Gowanda.