Barbara C Hodge

She was the wife of James Hodge for 51 years, until his passing in 2011. Born August 1941, in New Berlin, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Andrew Hendrickson.

In the early 1980s, with the full support of her husband and family, Barbara gave up the pension and benefits of a 9 to 5 job and launched Country Collection, her first shop in Oxford. Soon after, Barb opened Sweet Briar Flower shop. In subsequent years, she developed a line of aromatics products that she sold to other gift shops. For over 30 years, she traveled to Northeastern gift markets with her products making many friends along the way.

Barbara's home was always a place family and friends loved to gather. The farm, her gardens, and front porch were picture perfect. Guests enjoyed tables laden with food, hayrides, marshmallow gun fights, and good company. Her women-only Hen Parties were notorious gatherings packed with laughter, pranks, crafts, and card games.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Matthew J. Hodge of Oxford, Mark G. Hodge and wife Pepper of Oxford, and one daughter, Deborah A. Hodge and husband Neil Niman of Durham, N.H., eight grandchildren, Joshua and Isaac Niman, Sara, Hannah, Emma and Ethan Hodge, Kassidy and Jenna Hodge, and one sister, Patricia Benane. She is predeceased by siblings Janet Sliter, Jean Hanna, Jane Soules, Richard Hendrickson and their spouses.

A memorial service for Barb will be held in the spring.

Memorial contributions in Barb's memory may be sent to Oxford Food Pantry, St Paul's Episcopal Church, 34 Main Street, Oxford NY 13830.