Barbara H. Aurand

Barbara H. Aurand, 92, formerly of Homer, and a resident at Cortland Regional Nursing Facility, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. 

One of three daughters born of Sarah Exton House and Douglas Andrew House of Williamstown, NY, she was born at Cortland Hospital on February 19, 1924. She lived in the NY communities of Williamstown, Syracuse, Cortland, and Weedsport before making Homer her final residence. 

In 1944, Barbara completed her Registered Nurse degree from Good Shepard Hospital College of Nursing. She received her B.S. in education in 1961 from Syracuse University.  

Joining Eastern Star in 1961, she was Matron in 1967 and 1982, as well as holding other respected roles. In 1988, she was honored to become the first Grand Esther from the Homer Chapter of Eastern Star - Lodge #222.  Barbara was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church and active in Kings Daughters. She was always ready to accept new assignments, take older members to meetings and care for those who needed help.

Barbara was the widow of Earl (Bud) D. Aurand, a former resident of Cortland.  In 1955 the two were married in Dubois, PA. 

Barbara retired from the Homer Elementary School in 1979 as a 20-yr school nurse/teacher. Her prior career was a Public Health Nurse in Cortland and Cayuga Counties. 

Survived by her sister, Mary Rogers of Morrisville, PA; her son, Russell Barnes and his wife Gail Patricia of Murfreesboro, TN; granddaughter, Kimberly Barnes and husband Greg Guffey of Woodbury, MN; grandsons, Sean Conte and his wife Danielle of Concord, NC; Ted Conte and his wife Tammy of Panama City, FL; great- grandchildren; Nathaniel, Megan, Addison and Andrew Conte; Evan and Eleanor Guffey; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara will always be remembered as a wonderful and loving wife, “perfect” mother, “Gran” and “GG”.

She was predeceased by her husband Earl; sister, Argenta Mulholland and her step-daughter Linda Conte, formerly of Cortland.

In keeping with her wishes there will be no calling hours or services.  A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church sometime during 2017. Those wishing to be notified of that date may contact her son Russell at: 1304 Charleston Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37130 or by email at barnstormer36@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her memory to the Cortland based: Kings Daughters Home For Children or the Homer based: Free And Accepted Masons Of New York 352 Homer Lodge.

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