Wilma C. Barber

WILMA CONVERSE BARBER, age, 89, formerly of 296 Lafayette Road, Cortland, NY passed away, Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 at the Groton Nursing Home after a long illness. Wilma was born June 30, 1920 in DeRuyter, NY a daughter of the late Ray and Mildred Abbott Converse. Wilma was graduated from Cassavant School in 1937 and has been a resident of McLean since 1931. On May 23, 1944 she was married to Lewis Barber at home. Mr. Barber passed away Jan. 2, 2008. Wilma was a life member of the McLean Community Church and was retired from Dryden Elementary Schools. She had taught in three one room schools before teaching for the next 40 years in the Cassavant School. Mrs. Barber was known for always helping others, be it sending a card or a note to a friend or bringing garden produce or baked goods to neighbors, friends and family. Her efforts encouraged many to find their way in a difficult world. A huge part of their grandchildren’s lives, Grandpa and Grandma Barber were always there for all of their family and would proudly tell of the accomplishments of their children and grandchildren. Missed but never forgotten.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Tom) Terry of Harford, Tammy (Patrick ) Lomber of McLean and David (Denise) Barber of Brewerton, NY; her siblings, Marilyn Converse of McLean, Winifred Baldwin of DeRuyter, Lawrence (Juanita) Converse of McLean; grandchildren, Amy Finne, Audrey Griswold, Andrea Ayers, Abby Decker, Tara (Dan) Dullen, Andrew Barber, Nicole and Danielle Formica; a sister-in-law, Elaine Converse of Dryden; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Herbert Converse and a sister, Clara Dellow.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at the Mclean Community Church with Rev. Leslie A. Smith officiating. Burial, delayed until spring, will be in McLean Rural Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 4 to 6 PM Tuesday at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden. Those wishing to remember Wilma are asked to consider a memorial to the McLean Community Church, P.O. Box 246, McLean, NY 13102 or the Hospicare, 172 East King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 of the McLean Fire Dept. Rescue Squad , The Square, McLean, NY 13102.