Barbara Anne Tenney

TENNEY Barbara Anne, 94, daughter of Florence and John Dunne, died on November 6, 2025. Born January 2, 1931, in Oceanside, NY, her life began in a close and lively home shared with her parents and brothers. She excelled from an early age, graduating with honor and distinction from Oceanside High School. She went on to receive a full scholarship to the White Plains Hospital School of Nursing, where she again graduated at the top of her class. After the passing of her father, Barbara joined the United States Air Force, leaving New York for Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA. There she discovered her passion for operating room nursing and met her husband, her companion, and her soulmate, Dudley Paul Tenney III. Following their honorable discharges, Barbara and Dudley returned to Oceanside to start their life together. They were married for forty-four years until his passing in 2001. As Dudley pursued a career as a commercial pilot, Barbara embraced her role as wife and mother with energy and devotion. Life as the spouse of an airline pilot called for frequent relocations, sometimes several in a single year, yet she managed each move with grace, always fostering a safe and loving home for their four children. In 1978 the family settled in Tulsa, OK, where Barbara would reside for the rest of her life. There she continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Tulsa in 1986, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her artistic passions, especially print making, flourished. She was an active supporter of the Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Van Trease Performing Arts Center, Tulsa Performing Arts, and the Tulsa Ballet. She cherished these performances- particularly when her granddaughters appeared in the ensemble of The Nutcracker. Barbara embarked on countless adventures following Dudley's retirement. Together they traveled to Rome, Egypt, Ireland, Amsterdam, Canada, Russia, and many other destinations. Exploring new cultures, and their histories became one of the great pleasures of her later life. She excelled at golf and bridge, enjoyed entertaining, and made friends effortlessly. In her final years, declining health and impaired vision gradually made many of her favorite activities more challenging. She maintained her determination and spirit, practicing Pilates twice a week until a few months before her passing. She always adored the music of Frank Sinatra and delighted in the films of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. She celebrated her 93rd birthday in New York City with visits to Lincoln Center, Broadway, and her favorite restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art. She loved New York City and celebrated many birthdays and holidays there. Barbara is survived by her children, Anne Busch, Carol Tenney, Jill Grewe and Susan Tenney; son-in-law, Terence Grewe and J. Micheal Busch; grandchildren, Lauren Grewe, Emily Grewe-Nelson, Kristen Head and John Dudley Grewe; grandson-in-law, Matthew Nelson, Stephen Head and Chris Marshall; great grandchildren Peter and Micco Nelson and Theodore Head, brother-in-law Jack Tenney, sister-in-law Edna Tenney and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dudley; her parents Florence and John; her elder twin brothers Jack and Richard; sister-in law Marie Dunne; mother-in law Marie Jean Fayes Tenney; as well as many aunts and uncles and numerous cherished friends. A Rosary Service will be held on December 13, 2025, at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church. In place of floral tributes, contributions to the Tulsa Ballet are respectfully encouraged. Call Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel (918-291-3500) with any questions. Barbara lived with resilience, intelligence, warmth, and quiet elegance. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, artist, mentor and friend. Her memory remains a blessing to all who knew her.

Barbara Anne Tenney

January 2, 1931 - November 6, 2025