Obituaries

Barbara J. Nied 86, of Danville went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Barb was born in Berwick on April 7, 1940, the daughter of the late Steven A. and the late Adele (Kolet) McHenry.

Barb was born and raised in Berwick, PA, graduating from Berwick High School in 1958. She went on to graduate from Bloomsburg Teachers College, earning her degree in English and Education in 1962.

After graduation, Barb began her career at the Danville Junior High School teaching English. She eventually moved to the Danville High School and taught English and oversaw the yearbook program for many years. Barb’s strong independent spirit eventually led her to leave education and pursue owning her own business. She became a licensed insurance agent and opened her own State Farm office, where she served the Danville area for more than 25 years. Barb served on the Geisinger Foundation for many years and was happy to offer a voice for the community on that board.

Barb was an avid cook and gardener. When you walked into her home you would find her in the kitchen without fail, preparing a meal or sitting at the counter enjoying a drink while perusing a cookbook. She loved animals and always had multiple cats and an absurdly large dog. She rarely paid for a pet; her friends knew where to take strays and animals that needed a home.

Fifty-seven years ago, Barb married her devoted husband, the late John Nied, of Danville. They built a beautiful life, raising four sons and they have twelve grandchildren.

Barb is survived by her son John Nied and his wife, Heather of Manheim, PA; Andrew Nied and his wife, Molly of Danville; Matt Nied and his wife, Jennifer of Tobyhanna; and Mark Nied and his wife, Kimberly of Lehighton; her brother Steve Kolet and his wife Frances of Williamsburg, VA; her brother Terry Kolet and his wife Karen of Machipongo VA; and her sister BethAnne McHenry and her husband Ernie Swisher of Parksley, VA; as well as her grandchildren; Cooper, Jaxon, Elliott, Jill, Sam, Isabelle, Emily, A.J., Rosie, Victoria, Andrew and Abigail.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Barbara’s Life on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Visneski Funeral Home, Inc., 42 W. Mahoning St., Danville, PA with Father Al Sceski as celebrant. Friends will be received from 9:00am-9:45am. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg, PA.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to Camp Victory, The Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc, PO Box 810, Millville, PA 17846.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821.