Barbara A. Carlson

SCHENECTADY_With family by her side, Barbara Carlson boarded her final tour bus on June 29, 2015 – this time to heaven for relief from earthly woes. Born in 1935 to the late Irene (Burke) and Edward McFarland, Barb was a 1954 graduate of the old Draper School in Rotterdam. Like her mother and sister before her, she was an Operator for New York Telephone prior to her marriage to Bob ("Mr. Otis") Carlson in 1957. A very independent woman, Barb went back to work after starting a family, for Ter Bush & Powell and Jardine Insurance as well as Dick's Glass, all in Schenectady. Her favorite job of all came after she retired – being Aunt Barb to Cheyenne and Cody - caring for them at her home, working in the cafeteria when they started school and following their accomplishments with great pride.
Barb was a woman that was always on the go – enjoying bus trips (sometimes as hostess!) and travel with friends to Florida, Hawaii and Branson. While employed she was active in Insurance Women of Schenectady and the Federation of NY Insurance Women. A dedicated volunteer Barb ushered at Proctor's for many years, was a bingo worker at the former Annie Schaffer Senior Center and, most recently, a BINGO caller at the Rotterdam Senior Center. She was an active member of the Rotterdam Senior Center, St. Gabriel's Women's Club, St. Madeline Sophie's Plus 50 Club and Woestina Young at Hearts. Bert, her eldest daughter, would often comment that Mom was so busy that sometimes it seemed you needed to make an appointment to see her!
Barb's love of travel never waned – she enjoyed vacations with her daughter Robin through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer, to Halifax aboard the Norwegian Gem, on a river cruise aboard the American Queen paddleboat and to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island as well as many day trips by car, bus and boat. An avid baseball fan she travelled to Toronto, Washington DC, Baltimore and Atlanta for games as well as to Arizona for Spring training.
Barb will be deeply missed by her daughters Bert Carlson (Pat Cain) of Rotterdam and Robin Carlson (Shows Leary) of Grafton NY and her "grand dogs"- Moosey and Angel. She is survived by many dear friends and family including her sister, Pat Endries, sisters-in-law Gerri Dagostino and Joann Carlson, and cousin Marian Peterson. Barb was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2005.
Bert and Robin would like to thank Michelle from the Ellis Dialysis Center for the compassionate care that she gave Mom her last 3 days – you were our angel. Thanks also to the staff at Kingsway Arms and Kingsway Manor for the rehab and excellent care. Mom enjoyed her stay at Kingsway Manor!
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015 at New Comer Funeral Home New Karner Road in Colonie from 4pm-8pm. Friend and family are invited to meet at 9AM to travel in procession to St Gabriel's Church on Hamburg Street in Rotterdam for Mass at 10AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2015.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Barb's name to The Community Hospice 445 New Karner Road, Albany NY 12205, the Carmelite Monastery, 1931 West Jefferson Road, Pittsford NY 14534 or the charity of your choice.