In Loving Memory

Downham, Barbara Ann Ochs, age 79, of Eagan, MN, died peacefully on April 27, 2026 at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale, MN. Barb was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children, Christopher and Amy (Mark) Schwanz; granddaughters Brynn and Kyra Schwanz; siblings Mary Eshleman, Anne, Bill (Nancy) and Carolyn Ochs; nephews Doug (Nawshin) and Dan (Kelsey) Eshleman; many loving cousins and friends.

Born in Minneapolis, MN to Vincent and Helen (Esser) Ochs, Barb grew up in St. Paul, MN. She graduated from Our Lady of Peace High School and obtained a nursing degree from the College of St. Catherine, and became an RN in 1968. Later Barb earned certificates in Public Health and as a Nurse Practitioner in Geriatrics.

Barb’s intelligence, skill, and empathy made her an exceptional nurse; she was a trailblazer in the field of nursing in Kentucky and Wyoming in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She found her true calling as a geriatric nurse practitioner, helping countless people navigate the aging process.

Barb loved nature and spending time outdoors; she felt most at home in the Wyoming deserts hunting rocks, fossils and artifacts. She loved to travel and made many wonderful memories camping with her kids and on trips to Europe, Iceland, and New Zealand. Barb was passionate about MN history, especially New Ulm and Springfield; she enjoyed researching and sharing family stories and history. Barb was a voracious reader and never missed a good estate sale.

Barb adored her granddaughters; nothing made her happier than sharing adventures with Brynn and Kyra across the Twin Cities and on road trips to Colorado and New Mexico.

A woman with a strong spirit and determination, Barb focused on caring for others through listening, providing her medical advice, and offering gifts (often chocolate). All the care she provided throughout her life was reciprocated by the wonderful staff at The Pillars Hospice Home during her final days.

A Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Lakewood Garden Mausoleum in Minneapolis, MN on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 1-3 pm. In memory of Barb, please support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (in honor of Kyra’s Klan), the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund, or The National Parks Foundation-each close to her heart.