Obituary of Barbara O. Funaro

Barbara Ostrander- Funaro found her wings unexpectedly at her home on May 22, 2020. She was born Barbara Carol on May 19th to Carroll and Phyllis ( Hyatt ) Ostrander in Sidney, NY. Barbara's first home was in Rockdale, NY., moving to East Guilford until the age of 6, when the family moved into their new house in Rockdale. Here Barbara spent her growing up years before marrying Joseph "John" Funaro in 1975 and moving to their home in Norwich, NY. Barbara graduated from Mount Upton Central School with High Honors. She was a natural at learning the French language, attending Summer School at Colgate College and the returning for a post-graduate course in French 5 after her graduation while working part-time-in the High-school office. She was the only student in the history of the School System to accomplish this. Barbara then attended Cobleskill Community College and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Barbara was a joy to her family, never giving her parents one day of worry. As the oldest of 6 sisters she helped raise them all and even though she never had children of her own, she acquired 3 beautiful step-daughters, Deborah, Ann and Kecia that she loved very much. Barb was a hard worker. She was a Bank Teller when first out of school, moving on to work until retirement at the Chenango County Mental Health Clinic. As well as holding down a full-time job, she also spent many hours helping to run the family business, Welch's Market, until it closed. She also at this time returned to College and graduated from Morrisville with a degree in Business and Accounting. This while taking care of a home and family. In retirement Barb was a familiar face at the Paperback Book Exchange where she volunteered weekly. Barb loved to read, knit, sew, and do jigsaw puzzles with her Mom and sister Jodie. She made many beautiful blankets and baby quilts, many hand embroidered, for gifts and her family will all miss her warm comfy knitted socks! Barb is survived by her mother, Phyllis Ostrander of Rockdale. Sisters; Michele Hartwell, Jodie Bennett-Edwards (Ron), Jill Palmer (Gerald), Lorie Ostrander (Charlie) and Nicole Christian (Horace). Step-daughters; Kecia Burton (Brian) and Deborah Scarcella (Richard). Son-in -Law; Geoffrey Oliver. Grandchildren; Nathan Oliver, Emerson Burton and Cooper Burton. A very special friend Rosemary Crouch and her Beloved dog Ella and kitty Charlie Brown. Plus many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband of 28 years, Joseph "John" Funaro; her Dad, Carroll Ostrander; brothers-in-law Terry Christian and John Hartwell; and Step-daughter Ann Marie Oliver. Barb will be very missed by her family and they would like to request that any gifts of remembrance be made to the Chenango County SPCA, Chenango County Museum or the Charity of your choice in her name. As to her wishes there will be no service, with internment at the East Guilford Cemetery at a later date.