Barbara J. Parry

Barbara J. Parry (Elliott), born on August 31, 1931, in South New Berlin, NY, peacefully passed away on April 4, 2024. She was the cherished daughter of Alta and Hugh B. Elliott, growing up in Greene and New Berlin, NY. Barbara graduated from New Berlin Central School District in 1949 and furthered her education at Central City Business School (CCBI) in Syracuse, NY, graduating in 1950.

On September 16, 1950, Barbara married the love of her life, Roger E. Parry, at the New Berlin United Methodist Church. They moved to the family farm on County Road 20 in Smyrna in 1952, where she diligently managed the household while Roger served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After his return, they worked side by side, tending to the farm until Roger's passing in 1991.

Barbara's professional journey saw her initially working at Chenango Forks School District before joining BOCES in North Norwich, where she served as a secretary in the Business Office for over 19 years until her retirement in 1991. She enjoyed daily commute rides and conversations with her best friend and co-worker Dorothy Alderman. Even in retirement, Barbara dedicated herself to caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enriching their lives with love and guidance. Her commitment to community and faith was unwavering. Barbara was an active member of the Smyrna United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving as treasurer for more than four decades. She contributed tirelessly to various church activities and community events, including the Smyrna Fire Department Chicken BBQs, where her lemon meringue pies were legendary. Barbara's altruism extended beyond the church, as she served as a 4-H leader for over 20 years, Jr. Grange Leader, the Board of Trustees at Sherburne West Hill Cemetery and as Deputy Town Supervisor/Bookkeeper for 15 years in Smyrna.

Barbara found joy in simple pleasures, from overseeing the family farm to spending Sundays at her camp on Eaton Brook Reservoir. Her warmth and hospitality welcomed all into her home, where freshly baked treats and loving smiles were always abundant. She enjoyed swimming and many boat rides, sewing, watching Family Feud, solving word finds, and attending church services, embodying a life rich in faith and family.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Alta and Hugh Elliott; her mother and father-in-law, Harold and Lillian Parry; her loving husband, Roger E. Parry, of Smyrna, NY; her sister, Nancy Anderson; her sister-in-law, Evelyn Sanderson and her brothers-in-law, Donald Anderson, George Sanderson and Harold Parry Jr.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her children, Gerald E. Parry, Sr. (Debbra), Douglas A. Parry (Elaine), Byron H. Parry, and Brenda S. Beckwith (Matt). Barbara's presence will be dearly missed by her numerous grandchildren, Gerald E. Parry, Jr (Jacquelyn), Jason Parry, Joe Parry (Lindsey), Trista Button (Brian), Ian Parry, Kirsten Parry (Mike), Emily Cook (Brandon), Marshall Parry, Amos Parry (Trisstann), Crystal Beckwith (Zach) and Cody Beckwith (Hannah); her great-grandchildren, Brandon (Ashley), Brooke (Jason), Blake (Mercedes), Reagan, Gabe, Deidra, Mackenzie (Ethan), Johnathan, Ethan, Allie, Brock, Giavanna, Gabby, Anthony, Leyland, Nate, Natalie, Luann, Blairre, Riley, Adelynn, Braxton and Alynn; her great – great grandchildren, Everly, Mason and Graysen; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In remembrance of Barbara's life, a funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 10, at Smyrna United Methodist Church, 3 E. Main St. Smyrna with Pastors Linda Powell-Owens and Richard Anderson officiating. Burial will take place at Sherburne West Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the Smyrna United Methodist Church, the Smyrna Fire Department, PO Box 23, Smyrna, NY 13464, or to Hospice of Chenango County 33-39 Court St. Norwich, NY 13815.

Barbara's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. She touched countless lives with her kindness, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will continue to inspire for generations to come.