Barbara (Backus) Abernethy, 78, passed away May 22, 2019 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, New York surrounded with the love and support of her family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Olive and Wilson Backus, Barbara would become big sister to brothers John and Wilson (Bill). Always an exceptional student, Barbara graduated from St. Agnes Seminary in Brooklyn and earned a Regents Scholarship for college. She began her undergraduate studies at Brooklyn College and later completed her degree in history through State University of New York. Barbara was married to her high school sweetheart Michael E. Abernethy from 1958 to 1999. They began their family of ten children in Brooklyn, and later, in 1974, moved to Lake Champlain in Peru, NY which had long been a favorite family vacation spot. The role of mother was always Barbara's first priority, and for most of her life she selflessly sacrificed her dreams and aspirations for those of her children. Barbara was an extremely intelligent woman, who was sharp and witty until her very last day. She was an avid reader, a history buff, and a lifelong learner. Among her many talents, Barbara was a self-taught pianist and an extraordinary vocalist. Following her move to Syracuse, New York in 1999, Barbara finally took time to pursue her musical passions joining several local choirs including: Assumption Church Choir, Berwald Singers, The Cathedral Choir, North Syracuse Community Singers, and Syracuse Chorale. Barbara loved to travel with her family and spend time outdoors. She especially enjoyed being by the water including childhood summers at Breezy Point, NY, vacations on Lake Champlain, family outings on Oneida Lake, and cherished trips to Sarasota. Her time outside was often spent gardening as she was also blessed with a green thumb, and every summer she tended to her flowers and vegetables with some of the same love and attention she gave her children and grandchildren. Whether it was little league baseball, high school football, or college hoops, Barbara was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved to cheer on her favorite players and teams. By far her favorite athletes were her children and grandchildren, and she loved watching them play or hearing recaps of the games she missed. Barbara's strong Catholic faith shone through in her dedication to her family and the way she lived her life. Over the years, she devoted her time to her church and community through her work and volunteer efforts at the JCEO Outreach Program, St. Vincent De Paul, Erie Canal Museum, and ushering at the OnCenter. Although she has left us here on Earth, Barbara's memory will live on in the immeasurable impact she left on the lives of her eight children, twenty-two grandchildren, brother, many relatives, and friends. Her family will be forever grateful for her sacrifice, love and support. Barbara is survived by her children: Michael W. Abernethy; Kathleen Smith (Patrick) of Manchester, NH; Daniel Abernethy (Christine Rago) of Alpharetta, GA; Donald Abernethy (MaryAnne Mitchell) of Cicero, NY; Terence Abernethy (Margaret McHugh) of Tampa, FL; Mary Beth Cotran (Ralph) of Fayetteville, NY; Patricia Ransom (Todd) of Charlotte, NC; David Abernethy (Carrie Converse) of Plattsburgh, NY; her grandchildren: Francis and Andrea Abernethy; Alivia Spaulding and Lola Cotran; Chloe and Daniel Smith; Michael, Mary, Thomas, Patrick, Anne, and Daniel Abernethy; Jack, Theodore, Harrison, and Katherine Ransom; Nathan, Erin, Molly, and Riley Abernethy; Kallen and Ella Abernethy; her brother Wilson Backus of Rockville Centre, NY; and many nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her son, Christopher, in 1964; her daughter, Barbara, in 2012; and her brother, John, in 2013. The entire Abernethy family would like to thank HOA, St Joseph's Hospital especially the staff of Floor 3-2, and Dr. Benny Wong for the respectful and compassionate care they gave to our mother. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday June 6th, at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7th, 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.

Published Syracuse Post Standard from May 31 to June 2, 2019