Nancy L. Barber

Nancy L. Barber, 84, died Tuesday January 28, 2025 at Crown Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center following a brief illness.

Born on June 12, 1940 in Oswego, NY, she resided in Homer for most of her adult life, with her beloved husband Donald L. Barber.

Nancy grew up in Minetto, NY, the daughter of Fred and Theresa (Burdick) Bullard, and one of thirteen children. She graduated from high school and business school before working in the healthcare field and doing print modeling for department stores like the Addis Company in Syracuse.

She married her husband Donald L. Barber in 1965 and they worked together with his parents Everett and Shirley Barber to build the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, which opened in 1967. They worked side-by-side for 30-plus years helping families through their grief and loss, before selling the business and retiring to their farmhouse just down the road.

In retirement, they enjoyed cruising and traveling to destinations including Alaska and the Caribbean. They raised miniature horses, enjoyed dining out with friends--especially at Hyde’s Diner after church on Sunday mornings, and bonded over their shared love of music.

Nancy was well known for always looking just so…never leaving the house without her lipstick, hair, and nails done. She took pride in her appearance and had a love of fashion that showed in even her everyday appearance.

She was a devoted and active member of St. Margaret’s Church in Homer. She was a member of the choir and took on a leadership role as a cantor, which she continued into her 80’s. She also decorated the altar for most holidays and holy days of obligation, making by hand many of the items used to decorate.

Nancy had a real love of arts and crafts, including sewing, dollmaking, painting, coloring, and holiday-themed craft projects. She handcrafted numerous dolls from scratch, pouring the porcelain for their faces, painting their faces, and designing and sewing all of their clothes. In addition, she had a doll collection that included hundreds of dolls that she curated on their travels and through her own research.

Nancy enjoyed performing with her dear friend Vivian in their duo NV. They performed Broadway show tunes and old-time commercial jingles at venues around Cortland County. She also had a love of Broadway and bus trips to see shows with her gal pals, traveling frequently to Canada and New York City and was a member of the 1890 House.

But her favorite retirement project was providing child care and support for her first granddaughter.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband Donald; her parents Fred and Theresa; her in-laws Everett and Shirley; and many of her siblings, including Nelson, Ernest, Bill, Melvin, Betty, Joan, and Duane.

She is survived by her children: Donald L. Barber, II (Sheri) of Homer; Wendi-Jill Brandow (James) of Glenville, NY; and Matthew H. Barber, Burnt Hills, NY. Nancy is also survived by her grandchildren: Jade V. Barber, Luke E. Brandow, and Olivia L. Brandow.

We express extreme gratitude to Sheri Barber for her role as primary caregiver for most of Nancy’s remaining years, following the passing of Nancy’s husband, and to her eldest son Don for the care he provided to her in the final year of her life.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 U.S. Route 11, Homer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7, at St. Margaret’s Church, 14 Copeland Avenue, Homer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://stjude.org).

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