Obituary for Barbara Ann Reagan York
Barbara Ann Reagan York passed away on June 19th, 2023 at one of her favorite places, the lake home of her beloved daughter Jennifer and John Wendt.
Barbara was predeceased by her daughter, Suzy P. York who she missed and thought of every day; Arthur L. York (Buster); her parents, Raymond Edward Reagan and Ann Barcak Reagan. She is survived by her loving daughter, Jennifer York; her sister, Rosalie Conlon; her niece, Danielle Menk; and nephew, Joseph Conlon.
Barbara was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School and Saint Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Syracuse, NY. Barbara moved on to become a registered nurse and work at Lourdes Hospital in Vestal, NY. At the end of her nursing career at the hospital, she proceeded into private duty nursing. She also worked for the US Government in a program to train nurse’s aids.
She liked to travel. She crisscrossed the country a number of times. One of these adventures wound up having her and her sister Rosalie following the Oregon Trail. Swimming, cross country skiing, dancing, and long walks also gave her enjoyment.
Gardening was a strength. She knew everything there is to know about any type of flower or plant. She spent endless hours out in the yard making it beautiful.
Barbara was very accomplished at sewing, making dresses for her and her sister during their youth, as well as Halloween costumes for her children. This skill would be helpful later in life when she volunteered at the Tri-Cities Opera House creating costumes for the actors.
Barbara also loved to make sketches and paint. Many of her creations line the walls of her daughter’s home in Wisconsin.
Nicknamed after a character from Blast from the Past, Barbara would introduce herself to people she would meet as ‘The Mother’.
Some of the most rewarding activities that Barbara participated in came through volunteering. Barbara put in service at a number of local humane societies in New York and Wisconsin. She worked at Appleton’s Senior Center and helped with a reading program for children of the community. St Vincent’s and Good Will were other locations where she volunteered her time. Her true passion came from volunteering in the arts. She loved working at the Tri Cities Opera in Binghamton, NY where she was part of the costume department. When she moved to Wisconsin to be near her daughter Jennifer, she spent time at the Performing Art Center in Appleton, WI as an usher.
This love of the arts drew her to attend numerous Operas at the Metropolitan Opera House of New York and The Lyric Opera of Chicago. This passion for the Opera earned her the nickname of ‘Drama Mama’. Barbara’s motto became ‘Drama Is My Passion’.
Barbara will be brought home to be laid to rest next to her beloved daughter, Suzy in Binghamton, New York.
Mom I love you, I am so proud of the courage you showed throughout your life and over the last days we were able to share together. You were one of the most intelligent, funny, and beautiful people that I have ever known. I am honored to have had you as my mother and will miss you dearly.
Celebration of life gatherings will occur in both New York and Wisconsin. Timing and details will follow.
Barbara was predeceased by her daughter, Suzy P. York who she missed and thought of every day; Arthur L. York (Buster); her parents, Raymond Edward Reagan and Ann Barcak Reagan. She is survived by her loving daughter, Jennifer York; her sister, Rosalie Conlon; her niece, Danielle Menk; and nephew, Joseph Conlon.
Barbara was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School and Saint Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Syracuse, NY. Barbara moved on to become a registered nurse and work at Lourdes Hospital in Vestal, NY. At the end of her nursing career at the hospital, she proceeded into private duty nursing. She also worked for the US Government in a program to train nurse’s aids.
She liked to travel. She crisscrossed the country a number of times. One of these adventures wound up having her and her sister Rosalie following the Oregon Trail. Swimming, cross country skiing, dancing, and long walks also gave her enjoyment.
Gardening was a strength. She knew everything there is to know about any type of flower or plant. She spent endless hours out in the yard making it beautiful.
Barbara was very accomplished at sewing, making dresses for her and her sister during their youth, as well as Halloween costumes for her children. This skill would be helpful later in life when she volunteered at the Tri-Cities Opera House creating costumes for the actors.
Barbara also loved to make sketches and paint. Many of her creations line the walls of her daughter’s home in Wisconsin.
Nicknamed after a character from Blast from the Past, Barbara would introduce herself to people she would meet as ‘The Mother’.
Some of the most rewarding activities that Barbara participated in came through volunteering. Barbara put in service at a number of local humane societies in New York and Wisconsin. She worked at Appleton’s Senior Center and helped with a reading program for children of the community. St Vincent’s and Good Will were other locations where she volunteered her time. Her true passion came from volunteering in the arts. She loved working at the Tri Cities Opera in Binghamton, NY where she was part of the costume department. When she moved to Wisconsin to be near her daughter Jennifer, she spent time at the Performing Art Center in Appleton, WI as an usher.
This love of the arts drew her to attend numerous Operas at the Metropolitan Opera House of New York and The Lyric Opera of Chicago. This passion for the Opera earned her the nickname of ‘Drama Mama’. Barbara’s motto became ‘Drama Is My Passion’.
Barbara will be brought home to be laid to rest next to her beloved daughter, Suzy in Binghamton, New York.
Mom I love you, I am so proud of the courage you showed throughout your life and over the last days we were able to share together. You were one of the most intelligent, funny, and beautiful people that I have ever known. I am honored to have had you as my mother and will miss you dearly.
Celebration of life gatherings will occur in both New York and Wisconsin. Timing and details will follow.