It is with profound sadness we share the passing of beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, colleague and dear friend, Barbara (Ellis) Nyberg.
Barbara passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026. She was born on October 31,1939 to Chester and Florence Ellis. The oldest of nine, Barbara grew up in Braintree, attended Thayer Academy (’57) and then Peter Bent Brigham School of Nursing (’61); later in life she earned a degree at Northeastern University. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Boston, New York City, the Acton area, and capped off her career with a 30-year stint at Emerson Hospital. A member of Acton Congregational church for 57 years she was a volunteer and loyal member of the congregation. Instinctually a caregiver, she served others with a unique thoughtfulness and compassion, professionally and personally. She took in many who were in need of a stay or respite; her home had an open-door policy.
Barbara also loved to host a party. Whether a church tea, a book group dinner, the annual tree-cutting party or a family Christmas for 80+, she loved planning and entertaining those she loved. “Nonie” was also an avid sports fan supporting her siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews at any and all sporting events, many times the only fan in the stands. A voracious reader, Barbara volunteered at the Acton Memorial Library and loved her book group babes.
Barbara also enjoyed traveling with her group of ‘golden girls’, as well as with her family. Almost 40 years ago she rented a cottage on Martha’s Vineyard, this visit evolved into an annual summer adventure, shared with many friends and family members who now also make this summer pilgrimage, all thanks to her.
Barbara is survived by her children Deborah Harmon and son-in-law Donald, Susan Alex and son-in-law Joseph Baker, David Nyberg and daughter-in-law Anne; her grandchildren Emily Alex and husband Teddy Sirbaugh, Phoebe Alex, Harry Harmon, Jane Harmon, Ellis Nyberg and Cooper Nyberg; her siblings Constance Turner, Kenneth Ellis and wife Cheryl, Doug Ellis and wife Paula, David Ellis and wife Tricia, Ginger Caldwell and husband Larry, Deborah Jesseman and husband Bob, Richard Ellis and wife Mary, sister-in-law Jan; along with countless, beloved Ripley and Ellis nieces and nephews, as well as her children’s father Wesley Nyberg. Barbara was preceded in passing by her brother James Ellis, brother-in-law Eric Turner, sister-in-law Constance Ripley and her husband Robert Ripley.
Her impact on those around her spreads far and wide. She will be missed, yet will live on in all the ways she impacted the lives of others.
The family welcomes all to a Service and Collation for Barbara at noon on Sunday, November 1 at Acton Congregational church. Additionally, there will be a private graveside burial at Woodlawn Cemetery at 10am on Saturday, September 19.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her name to one of the organizations that Barbie supported and appreciated in their care for others:
Acton Nursing Service, 30 Sudbury Road, Acton, MA
Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road, Acton, MA
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street, Acton, MA
