Barbara Lee Jolly

Barbara Lee (Lindahl) Jolly, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 73. She was born on December 23, 1952, in Central City, Nebraska, to Louis Carl Lindahl and Elizabeth (Mesner) Lindahl. Barb led a life filled with love, kindness, and an unwavering spirit that touched everyone she met.

Barb graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA and earned her PhD in pharmacology at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Barb carried the values of hard work, dedication, and constant pursuit of knowledge into her professional life. She had a long career, starting as a pharmacist and achieving her lifelong goal of teaching pharmacology as a Full Professor at Sullivan University in Kentucky. Her meticulous nature was matched by her dedication to mentoring students and compassion for others. Barb was honored to be inducted as a Kentucky Colonel. She created a continuing education program for pharmacists through Sullivan University and was a published author of pharmacy research articles as well as children’s books about her beloved cat, Gabe.

Barb created beautiful memories as she travelled to foreign lands and sought out new cultures. She was a devoted family member who was available at any time for her loved ones. She was deeply involved in her community by creating and supporting programs such as Stone Soup, Foodbanks, Dare to Care, and Blankets for Babes.

Barb had deep faith throughout her life. She was an independent and spirited individual who valued making new connections and lasting friendships.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Carl & Elizabeth Lindahl; her sister, Patti Lindahl; and nephew Jason Lindahl and niece Nicole Frerichs.

Barb is survived by her siblings (spouses): Louis Timothy Lindahl of Blue Springs, MO; Alan Lindahl of Omaha, NE; Liz Lindahl of Omaha, NE; John (Jama) Lindahl of Normal, IL; Kristi (Mike) Flint of Sheffield, England; Daniel (Cathy) Lindahl of Auburn, ME; nieces Jenny Moore, Sarah Lindahl, Alyssa Lindahl, Larisa Lindahl, Jessica Beisner and nephews Scott Lindahl, Iain Lindahl, Peter Flint, Michael Barry, Josh Smith, and Cody Smith.

All are invited to pay their respects and celebrate Barb's life during visitation services at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243 on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends will follow at 5:00pm with live-stream viewing available for anyone who cannot attend in person.

Barb Jolly will be dearly missed but forever remembered for the love she shared and the difference she made.

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