In Memory of Barbara M.(Harkenreader) VanDusen

Obituary

Barbara M.(Harkenreader)VanDusen, 86, of Holland Patent, and a longtime resident of Oneonta, NY, died after a short illness on June 7, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica.

She was born June 10, 1933, in Carbondale, PA, the oldest daughter of the late Frank and Julia Galko Harkenreader and was educated in Laurens, NY, schools. She married Gerald B. VanDusen on August 15, 1953 Oneonta, NY. She worked as a cook in the Oneonta Nursing Home for over 10 years, where she made lasting friendships. In 1987 she moved to Holland Patent, NY where she operated her own daycare in her home for over 30 years.

Barb was a member of the Redeeming Love Fellowship Church in Stittville, NY and truly lived her faith. She was eternally kind and loving and always saw the good in every person. Her generosity was endless. She loved and lived for not only her own children and grandchildren, but every child she had the opportunity to care for and teach. She loved that many of these children came back to visit her over the years.

Barb enjoyed attending family events, concerts, recitals and other activities that her grandchildren and daycare children participated in. She also enjoyed traveling with her local church group and her daily reading of the Bible. She truly found comfort in God and the promise of heaven at the end of life.

Barb is survived by her children, Michael (Debbie) VanDusen of Otego, Julie (Gregory) Benincasa, Holland Patent, Thomas VanDusen of Holland Patent and Roger VanDusen of Albany; her grandchildren Jeremy, Jeffrey (Heather), Amanda, Angela (Joe), Michelle (Scott), Stephen and Christine, and great grandchildren; Trent, Isaiah, Zachery, Ethan, Makayla, Weston and Owen. Her siblings; Frank (Joyce) Harkenreader, Gerald Harkenreader, Anne Baird, Jeanne (Edward) Bordinger, William (Barb) Harkenreader, Patricia Jarmakovitz and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her former husband, Gerald B.VanDusen, her brothers; Stanley, Edward and Lawrence Harkenreader and sister Ellen Montgomery.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced.

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.