PLATTSBURGH — Barbara Abernethy, 53, passed away August 1, 2012, at her home in Plattsburgh.
Born December 4, 1958 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Barbara (Backus) Abernethy and Michael E Abernethy. She has been a resident of Plattsburgh for 38 years.
She graduated from St Johns High School in 1977. After high school, Barbara continued her education at Plattsburgh State University. She was a graduate of Our Lady of Victory Secretarial School, and Clinton Community College. She received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding achievements throughout her academic career.
Barbara was by all measure a kind, compassionate and tenacious woman. While quietly and courageously facing her many physical challenges brought on by juvenile diabetes and kidney disease, she never failed in her concern and encouragement for others. She was everyones biggest cheerleader and she reveled in the joys and accomplishments of her family and friends. For many years, Barbara generously gave her time and effort through volunteer work at CVPH Medical Center and St Augustine School. Her passions included making crafts, baking, listening to music and reading, which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. She was a patient and kind aunt who lovingly planned many projects, crafts and activities for her nieces and nephews. Everyone loved Aunt Barb.
Her family would like to communicate their appreciation to all of the doctors, caretakers and friends who supported Barbara through the years; her life was immeasurably improved and extended by their care and support.
Barbara's family includes her parents, Barbara Abernethy of Cicero, N.Y. and Michael Abernethy of Ballston Spa, N.Y., her younger siblings, Michael Abernethy, Kathleen Smith and her husband Patrick of Manchester, N.H., Daniel Abernethy and his wife Christine of Alpharetta, Ga., Donald Abernethy and his wife MaryAnne of Cicero, N.Y., Terence Abernethy and his wife Peggy of Harrisburg, Pa., Mary Beth Spaulding of Cicero , N.Y., Patricia Ransom and her husband Todd of Merrick, N.Y., David Abernethy and his wife Carrie of Plattsburgh, her half-brother, Brian Abernethy of Cleveland, Ohio, her nieces and nephews, Francis and Andrea Abernethy, Alivia Spaulding, Chloe and Daniel Smith, Michael, Thomas, Patrick, Mary and Anne Abernethy, Jack, Theodore and Harrison Ransom, Nathan, Erin, Molly and Riley Abernethy, and Kallen Abernethy, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 3, at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at St. John's Church followed by a Christian burial service at St Peter's Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.
