Obituary of Barbara M. Heaslip

Barbara M. Heaslip, 85, of Cortland, NY passed away Monday, May 5, 2014 at CRMC Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 23, 1928. She was the only child of Howard and Sadie Wilson Moore. She graduated from Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ in 1948. After graduation, she worked for AT&T as a switch board operator. She married her high school sweetheart, Graham, on April Fool's Day, 1950. Together, Barbara and Graham raised five daughters, starting their family in Brooklyn, moving to Camillus, and finally settling in Cortland where they have enjoyed living for the past 50 years. Barbara worked in the billing department of the Crescent Corset Company, and later retired after 12 years of service as the United Presbyterian Church Secretary. Community service and charity were integral parts of Barbara's life. The March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, PTA, Caring Community Hospice, Loaves and Fishes, and United Presbyterian Church are among the many organizations for which she volunteered. Barbara and Graham travelled extensively, exploring much of the country and the rest of the world. When not away on an adventure, Barbara enjoyed reading mystery novels, gardening, bowling, golf and square dancing. Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Graham; her daughters, Pamela Dass of Cortland, Linda Ndebi, (Sylvain) of Cortland, Nancy Heaslip (Jeff Peil) of Duanesburg, Margaret Noble (Brad) of Homer and Gail Finton (Jon) of Groton; her grandchildren, Michelle, Julien and Christopher Ndebi, Erin and Cory Noble and Paige and Taylor Spafford; and her great- grandchildren, Trent, Natalia, Julien, Josue and Dominic Ndebi. Calling hours will be from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, May 9 at the United Presbyterian Church, 25 Church St., Cortland, NY, followed immediately by a funeral service at the church. Burial will follow at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. The family would like to thank staff of the CRMC Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as well as Caring Community Hospice for their expert care and compassion. Arrangements are under the direction of Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes at the Grace Episcopal Church, 13 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045 or Caring Community Hospice, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045.