Obituary of Barbara Joan Ferris

Barbara Joan Ferris, 85, passed away peacefully at Groton Nursing Home on September 22, 2024. She was born July 17, 1939 in Cortland. Predeceased by her parents Salem (Tofield) and Jennie Levant Ferris and her oldest brother Salem (Sam) Ferris. Barbara is survived by two brothers Robert (Patricia) Ferris of Cortland and Donald (Delia) Ferris of Homer; an aunt. Rena LeFever of Virgil; a stepdaughter Linda (Chris) Gygax of Ohio; sister in law, JoAnn Ferris (Sam) of New Hampshire; several nieces nephews and cousins and a long time friend and colleague, Antje (Alfred) Koller of NYC. Barbara graduated from Cortland High School as a member of the national honors society, with class of 1957. She was an Honor student at Elmira College, graduating in 1961. Barbara was a Senior Research Specialist on the faculty at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City until her retirement in 2013 when she returned to Cortland. Her career at Cornell lasted over 50 years engaged in important medical research in histology and hematology. Her work was published in several Medical Journals, and she was admired and respected by her colleagues. She enjoyed traveling having visited Portugal, Greece and Italy and Africa on a photo safari. She delighted in all the cultural activities, plays and concerts that NYC had to offer. She was an avid reader, photographer, and a fan of growing orchids. Barbara was known among her family and friends for her kindness and generosity. She will be greatly missed. The family would like to give special thanks to Barbara's caregiver Michele for her kindness, patience and friendship. Calling hours will be held on Thursday September 26, 2024 from 4 to 6pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc. Funeral Servies will be on Friday at 10am at the funeral home. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. If you are so inclined, contributions can be made to Cortland County Historical Society in her name in lieu of flowers.