PHGS Members Forum

[Jean Kay Morse-Jackson]

Obit: Steuben Courier, Bath, NY; Jul. 17, 2015 at 10:42 AM

Barbara Parsons Merridew passed away peacefully, at home with her family around her on July 8, 2015.

Barbara was born on June 30, 1930.

She graduated from Scotia High School in 1949, received her Bachelors of Science from Alfred University’s School of Ceramics in 1954 and earned her Masters in Education from Nazareth College via Keuka College in 1976. Barbara was an Art Teacher at Dundee Central School from 1971 until she retired in 1995.

Barbara’s hobbies and interests included gardening, sewing, knitting, needlepoint, and singing with choirs including her church trio. Her artistic creativity carried over into everything she did. She gave freely of her talents and gifts to her community, church, and school where she worked.

Barbara was predeceased by her mother, Joyce M. Baldwin (1962); father, Arthur T. Parsons (1960); sister, Priscilla M. Osswald (2007), and her dear husband Stanley L. Merridew (1991).

Barbara is survived by her six children; Diane Opelt (Barry Essig) of So. Natick MA, Laura Opelt (Steve Dreiling) of Hammondsport NY, Marty Opelt of Ormond Beach FL, Joyce Frank (John) of Stuart FL, Bill Opelt (Kelly) of North Port FL, and Meg Morrison (Richard) of Hammondsport, NY. In addition to her six children she is survived by her brother Arthur (Joanne) Parsons of Keuka Lake and Englewood FL as well as grandchildren; Charlie Essig, Bethany Buryta, Heather Mastro, Jamie Shaw, Erik Frank, John Frank, Melissa Frank, Lauren Opelt, Cameron Opelt, Logan Opelt, Nathan Morrison, Courtney Morrison, and great grandson Jay Buryta and anticpated, Charlotte LaColla; cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lake Keuka Community Baptist Church, 736 East Lake Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to the charity of choice.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends on July 25, 2015, 11am at the Lake Keuka Baptist Church.

Arrangements by LaMarche Funeral Home in Hammondsport.