Barbara E. Protasenia

October 25, 1951 - January 23, 2021

Barbara Ellen Protasenia, 69 of Atlantic Highlands passed away on Saturday January 23, 2021 at Riverview Medical Center Red Bank surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 25, 1951 in Newark, she resided in Sayreville for much of her life before settling in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. A graduate of Seton Hall and Monmouth Universities, Barbara was a staff RN at South Amboy Hospital before becoming a school nurse until she retired in 2017. Barbara cherished celebrating every holiday with her family. These parties were filled with traditions such as her mother’s butter cookies, beautifully wrapped gifts, and a game of Yahtzee. Barnacle Bill’s restaurant was a sentimental place for her as she often spoke of visiting as far back as when peanut shells covered the floor. She adored her daughter’s beloved pet bunnies so much so that she kept a framed picture of them proudly displayed on her desk while working as a school nurse. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Florence Horter, as well as her husband Nick. She is survived by her two children, Nancy Ellen and Nikolas; her two sisters and their husbands; Ruth and Vincent Marcello and Debbie and Michael Zielinski, as well as three nieces, Sara Dudas, Jessica Harnett, and Rebecca Dysart. A private service will be held followed by burial at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kurzawaFH.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hackensack Meridian Health Hospice - North Office.