Mrs. Barbara G. "Barb" (Edgett) Roberts

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Barbara G. “Barb” (Edgett) Roberts, age 83, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, ready to embark on a new journey with her beloved husband, Jim, who had been awaiting their reunion. Born in Utica on April 13, 1942, Barbara was the daughter of the late Elmer and Viola (Hoffman) Edgett. She spent her formative years in the Marcy area and later graduated from St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, earning her Registered Nurse license. Always eager to further her education, during a time when it was not easy for women to do so, she went on to attend the women’s college program at Kirkland College (now Hamilton College), where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Science. Never one to remain idle in her pursuit of knowledge, Barbara later earned a master’s degree in public administration with a specialty in geriatrics from Syracuse University. She additionally would return to her education in Nursing at Utica College, to ensure she would always have a backup plan in her career path. While both working at St. Luke’s Hospital, Barbara met the love of her life, James F. “Jim” Roberts. On September 5, 1964, Jim and Barbara were married, and their feelings for one another, along with their deep commitment and common interests, made for a fulfilling life and an incredibly happy marriage. Barb and Jim were consistently supportive of each other’s aspirations. They were truly the couple to be! Together, they shared 56 years prior to Jim’s passing on March 1, 2021. Barbara’s remarkable career as a Registered Nurse began at St. Luke’s Hospital, where she spent nearly 20 years with a local surgeon as their head officer. She was a hard-working, forward-thinking, and highly capable nurse. At one time, Barbara served as the Director of the Senior Volunteers Program for New York State. After completing her master’s degree, she held employment with New York State as a director in the geriatric mental health section that supports the integration of health and mental health care for elderly New Yorkers. In this role, she traveled extensively, advocating for the aging all over the state. She was among the last to hold this esteemed position prior to her retirement. Barbara achieved all of these remarkable milestones during her 40s and 50s—a true testament to her determination, resilience, and lifelong commitment to growth. Years later, while residing at the Masonic Care Community of New York, Barbara continued to share her nursing knowledge and compassion, offering help to others and, in doing so, brought comfort to her own experience there. Barbara was personable, friendly, and naturally engaging. If she discovered a shared interest with someone, it often blossomed into a lifelong friendship. Highly intelligent and deeply generous, she consistently shared her knowledge with the community. Barbara was the kind of person you wanted leading the way—reliable, proficient, and always composed under pressure. At one time, Barbara was the President of the Zonta Club of Utica, a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. Through a program at Cornell University, she obtained her Master Gardener Certificate. With Barb’s green thumb for flowers and Jim’s for vegetables, the couple worked together to create lovely seasonal gardens, using the techniques of organic gardening, …a rare commodity before its time. They also maintained a long-standing greenhouse on their property that was a real delight. They created their own paradise together! The pair were antique lovers as well. They shared an aesthetic appreciation for authentic, aged pieces from previous time periods, an avocation that led them to participate in all the notable antique shows. Jim created prints as well as refinished and restored vintage furniture while Barb could craft anything she put her hands on, such as picture frames. The couple also started up an eBay business, which they named “Crystal Springs.” Their common treasure was glass — depression, pressed, jadeite, carnival, crystal, sandwich, Pyrex, and many other beautiful genres, and they also loved prints by legendary artists Currier & Ives. Barbara cherished the memories of her brothers who preceded her, Richard A. Edgett, and Robert E. Edgett. She is survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judith “Judy” and John “Kip” Brott; and her niece, Paige Isadora Brott. Barb’s family is forever grateful for the friendship and unwavering support of Hanne and Julius Saurini, whose presence was essential to her well-being in her later years. She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer “Jim” and Katharine “Kay” (Karn) Roberts. Barb’s family extends their sincerest gratitude to the entire staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY for their outstanding compassion and care. In honoring Barbara’s wishes, her family will honor and commemorate her life privately. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Barbara’s honor may be made to the Zonta Club of Utica by mail to PO Box 8281, Utica, NY 13505. Inurnment will take place in Oriskany Cemetery where Barbara will be laid to rest with her beloved Jim at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Barbara G. "Barb" (Edgett) Roberts

April 13, 1942 - May 24, 2025