Obituary of Barbara Friends

North Rose/Wolcott: Barbara Friends, 83, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, passed away on November 15, 2014. Born in Rochester, NY on September 28, 1931, “Barb” attended Charlotte High School and then Oswego State Teachers College. While in college she married her sweetheart Jerry on September 13, 1952. Barb graduated in 1953 and began her education career in Cato, NY as a kindergarten teacher. After starting a family with Jerry, she continued teaching kindergarten in Averill Park, NY. In 1969, she joined the Averill Park Preschool where she was a co-director and teacher for 21 years. She was a leader, dedicated to the needs of early childhood education, Rotary International Youth Exchange and the Methodist Church. Barb was the leader of church service group trips to the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Russia and Brazil. Barb and Jerry raised three sons, Barry, Todd, and John while living in Defreestville, NY from 1961- 1989. Barb enjoyed quilting, fishing and traveling the globe. In 1990, she retired to her favorite place, Sodus Bay, where at age 16 she had first met Jerry. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Jerry, mother Dorothy, father Cogar and is survived by her sons and their wives; Barry (Jennifer), Todd (April) and John (Mary Ellen); and grandchildren Katy, Jerry, Jeffrey, Gaby, Joshua, Penny, Kaia, Tyler, Breanne, Caleb and Ellie; brother Marvin. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 22nd, 2 p.m. at North Rose United Methodist Church http://www.northrosenymethodist.com/ Donations can be made to the Gerald ’55 and Barbara ’53 Friends Memorial Scholarship # 427 for Schodack Students at SUNY Oswego College Foundation, 215 Sheldon Hall SUNY Oswego, NY 13126 or www.oswego.edu/givenow Arr: Norton Funeral Home of Wolcott.