Mrs. Barbara Elaine (Edick) Watson

UTICA - Mrs. Barbara Elaine (Edick) Watson, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the Masonic Care Community where she resided. Barbara was born to the late Ellis and Mary Hunter Salmon Edick on May 24, 1932 in Rome, New York and spent her early years in Little Falls, New York. On Christmas Day, December 25, 1950 she married Barent Wager Watson with whom she shared 49 years of a wonderful marriage before his passing in 2000. Barbara graduated from Little Falls High School in 1949 and from Utica College in 1962. She earned two masters degrees between 1967-1971. One degree was in English and she also earned a Library Science degree from SUNY Geneseo. She became a teacher at Holland Patent Central School and taught in the English Department for 26 years. She was an adjunct professor at Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica College, and a librarian at the House of the Good Shepherd for a brief time in her retirement. Barbara had the distinction of being named New York State Teacher of the Year in 1986. She was also named an Alumni of Achievement in 1986 by Utica College. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society for many years while teaching at Holland Patent. Barbara’s favorite quote to her students was: “I know that to be able to read and to understand and to enjoy good literature expands your horizon for the rest of your life”. Barbara enjoyed hosting many parties for her friends in Holland Patent and Barneveld with her husband. She loved cooking and tending to her beautiful flower gardens in Barneveld. From an early age, Barbara became fascinated by books and learning which led to her career choice. While living at Acacia Village she organized the library and conducted book club seminars for her friends. She was a current member of First Presbyterian Church of Utica and a past member of Holland Patent Presbyterian Church. Barbara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Leigh and Gregory D’Agostino; son and daughter-in-law, Mark Hunter and Nancy Watson; and daughter, Kathy Violante. She also leaves her granddaughter Alison D’Agostino; and brother-in-law, Francis Stisser. She will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara was predeceased by her siblings, Glenn (Janet) Edick, Robert Edick, Jean Edick, Rosemary Stisser, and many Watson in-laws including her special family friends, Robert and Wanda Goodrow. A special thank you to Acacia Village and Masonic Care Community, especially the staff of Windham Household and the Cafe personnel who cared for Barbara with friendship, kindness, and compassion. A private memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Utica. Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to Masonic Care Community of NY, 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY 13501, First Presbyterian Church of Utica, 1605 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501, or the New Hartford Public Library, 2 Library Lane, New Hartford, NY 13413. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Barbara Elaine (Edick) Watson

May 24, 1932 - January 8, 2019