Obituary of Barbara Briggs Niederhofer

Barbara Briggs Niederhofer, a long-time resident of Homer, passed away on May 30, 2013 at Newfield House in Plymouth, MA. She was predeceased by her husband, LaVerne C. Niederhofer and four step-children. She is survived by her children and step-children: Frank H. Reynolds, Jr. of Montpelier, VT; Nancy Reynolds Hayes and her husband, John, of New Canaan, Ct; Carol Kuryla of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Thomas Niederhofer and his wife, Sandy of Homer; William Niederhofer of Cortland; and Heidi Heath and her husband Alan, of Ketchum, Idaho. In addition, she is survived by three grandchildren, Megan Reynolds, Bennet Hayes and Tyler Hayes along with 19 step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her beloved niece and nephew, Sally B. Maitland of Charleston, South Carolina and John (Jack) Briggs of Homer.The daughter of Florence and John Briggs of Homer, Barbara lived in the village much of her life, residing in the historic Andrew Dickson White home on Main Street. A graduate of Homer schools, Barbara attended Sweet Briar College and graduated from Bradford Jr. College. She worked at Cornell University and later was manager of the catalogue department at Sears, Roebuck in Cortland. Barbara devoted herself to being an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was an active member of the community, volunteering in many civic capacities and was a life-long member of the Homer Congregational Church. In their retirement years, Barbara and Vern Niederhofer relocated from Homer to Skaneateles, NY and then to Wilmington, NC. They travelled extensively throughout the world, taking many of these trips while in their seventies and eighties. Barbara would become so enthralled with a place she was visiting as to exclaim, Oh, wouldnt it be wonderful to live here! and this became known as her signature comment.After her husband died, Barbara moved to Duxbury, MA to be nearer her children. In 2012 she relocated to Newfield House in Plymouth, MA where she resided at the time of her death and where she received remarkable and loving care. Barbara remained active and involved throughout her life, displaying virtually limitless energy. Well into her eighties, she participated in aerobics classes and relaxed by taking four-mile walks at a brisk place. She displayed great openness and curiosity about the world, and took an abiding interest in other people, acquiring many friends along the way. Throughout her long life and wherever she went, Barbara devoted herself to others, continuing to form new friendships as well as maintaining close contact with her large extended family and many long-term friends. The hardships of failing health and diminished capacity which she encountered in the last years of her life seemed to call forth her best essence. To family and caregivers alike, Barbara presented a remarkable example of kindness, grace, courage, and dignity throughout her life.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 10:00am in the Homer Congregational Church with interment following in Glenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Wright Beard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Homer Congregational Church, 28 South Main St., PO Box 221, Homer, NY 13077.To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Dear Nancy and Jarr, I was sorry to learn the passing of your Mom. She was a special lady and I have many fond memories of her. She had a great smile, was full of energy, and was always so personable to all she encountered. I have always been grateful for her generosity towards our family. I was the best dressed kid around thanks to your beautiful hand-me-downs Nancy. I wish I had that plaid wool kilt today. Do you remember the time when my parents were hosting a dinner for out-of-town relatives and our dining room table suddenly collapsed? No problem. Your Mom just moved yours over and no one every knew the difference. I know that your Mom made the transfer of 83 South Main St. to our family as painless as possible. She practically gave it away. I am sorry that I won't be able to make the memorial service on Saturday. I would love to see you. If you are ever in Homer again, let me know. Maybe we could get the Potters together for a game of kick-the-can. We like to go to Cape Cod to visit our son. I am not sure how far you are from there, but if you go there, maybe we could meet. Usually, we get the brothers out there once a year. I hope that both of you are doing well. With deepest sympathy, Janie