Mrs. Barbara J. (Jacobs) Fitch

UTICA - Mrs. Barbara J. (Jacobs) Fitch, age 76, formerly of West Street, entered into eternal rest peacefully when she passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Upstate University Hospital with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 8, 1942, Barbara was the daughter of the late James E. and Doris Lucille (Hubbard) Jacobs. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1960. On October 12, 1968 at St. Francis De Sales Church she married Earl Raymond Fitch who passed away in 1998. During their 29 years together, they shared true love and common interests; she loved him until the day she passed. Barbara began her diverse working life at the William Calli, Esq. Law Firm in a Data Entry position, and when Mr. Calli ran for State Senator, Barbara was his campaign associate, along with her mom Doris. She later accepted a job at General Electric on French Road, and subsequently worked at Utica Cutlery as a machine operator until her retirement in 1998. Barbara was a conscientious worker and an asset to any of her employers. A confident, compassionate, free-spirited woman, Barbara spoke from an honest heart, and she stood her ground. If there was a party, she was the first one to join in, and the last one to leave. She was a hoot! She was quite the shopper, and her forté was finding bargains and Black Friday deals, always for the kids’ toys. Barbara brought up her children to become the best they could be in life by pursuing their God-given talents. As they matured and their lives changed, they became best of friends with their mom. When the grandchildren came along they gave her a “new lease on life” and she embraced them with the same motherly love and individual attention she bestowed on her own children. She provided all the important provisions and the precious little things children need when they are growing up. Barb was blessed with an active, benevolent life. She was a member of the VFW, Malson Jones Post #7393, lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary where she held multiple offices and was a volunteer for the Gold Brick Building Fund, and made many great commitments to the organization. Because bowling was one of her favorite sports, she belonged to numerous leagues at various locations and was a member of the Women’s Bowling Association. Barbara loved the outdoors, too, especially camping at Grassy State Park, Meadow Lanes, and Fishers Landing on the St. Lawrence River, Crystal Lake Park, Belvedere Park in Cherry Valley, and Sylvan Beach at the Marina. Good times were had by all, and everyone was welcome — tents or campers — she loved it all! She was a devoted Syracuse fan rooting for their basketball and football teams, and she was a supporter of the New York Yankees. She was fond of soap operas, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, NCIS, Law & Order SVU, Tiny House/Big Living, Lawrence Welk, John Wayne movies, and Weekend at Bernie’s, a flick that made her laugh until she cried. Her Yorkshire Terrier “Gianna” was a great companion, and Babs would comb her hair and tend to all her needs! A communicant of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s Church, Barbara prayed the rosary and found beauty in attending the Christmas Midnight Mass and later listened to the wisdom of Mass on the Eternal World Television Network. Barbara is survived by her beloved children, Lisa A. Fitch; and Jon J. Fitch and his partner Bruce Knowles. She held close to her heart the memory of her daughter Kim M. Jacobs who passed away on September 11, 2013. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Jamie Piper; Patrick Breen; cherished great-grandchildren, Nathan Donlyuk, and JaiLynn Seelman; beloved brother and sister-in-law, James E. and Sharon Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Betty Byers, and Maryanne Fitch; and two beautiful goddaughters, Cherie (Jacobs) Vazquez, and Kristy Citriniti. She will also be remembered by multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a very special friend, Patti Kenneally who was like a daughter to Barbara. She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary and Bob Peltier, Lynn and Josie Fitch, Lela and John Beatty, Jack Fitch, Harry and Ethel Fitch, James Fitch, and Gertrude Webster who she loved so much. The family would like to thank the Upstate Medical Center MICU Nursing Staff, Dr. Hassan Al-Khallsy, Caitlin Tomki/RN, FNP-C for the love and compassionate care they provided to Barbara. The family would also like to thank Sandy Gubbins for the love and empathy shown to Barbara during her illness. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The VFW Post #7393 Ladies Auxiliary will hold a ritual service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Barbara’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at Sacred Heart & St. Mary’s Our Lady of Czestochowa where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Arthur Krawczenko. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found T'was blind but now I see T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Through many dangers, toils and snares We have already come. T'was grace that brought us safe thus far And grace will lead us home, And grace will lead us home Amazing grace, Howe Sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found T'was blind but now I see Was blind, but now I see.

Mrs. Barbara J. (Jacobs) Fitch

April 8, 1942 - January 28, 2019