Gansevoort, NY- Barbara Suzanne Barden passed peacefully on October 20, 2025 with her sons by her side. She was born June 2, 1944 in Jackson Heights, NY to Robert and Elsa Patnaude (Pratt). Raised in Schuylerville, NY she graduated from Schuylerville High School in 1962, and from SUNY Oswego in 1966. During her junior year in 1965, she met and married Peter Marsh Barden during his first year of coaching at Schuylerville. Upon graduation, Barbara taught 2nd grade at Caroline Street School in Saratoga Springs, NY until giving birth to her first son, Christopher, on December 25, 1968. A few years later, she would give birth to her second son Eric on July 11, 1971. Her sons were her light and inspiration throughout her life.

Barbara faced many health challenges after surviving rheumatic fever as a child and subsequent heart conditions throughout her life. Instead of letting those challenges define her, she chose to defy them with humor, grace, and grit.

Always a fan of English and the written word, she began writing a diary in the 5th grade and remained dedicated to that pursuit for the rest of her life. She filled several notebooks with unpublished poems she wrote and collections of writings from various authors she admired, especially Robert Frost and his "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening". She also indulged in her passion for writing by serving as a special features writer for The Post Star for a time and a few other small publications.

People were drawn to her humorous and vibrant personality, her quick wit and a soul that spoke "generosity" fluently. Her wardrobe typically reflected her personality – with a flair for whatever season or holiday was upon us. She was a maestro in the kitchen, possessing a deep affinity for "feeding people." Her desserts were legendary with neighbors always looking forward to becoming the beneficiary of one of her coffee cakes, coconut cream pies, or exotic chocolate chip cookies. Her beloved "country cottage" surrounded by wildflowers and nestled on the family's 200 yr old farmstead was her paradise.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Peter in 2005 and is survived by her sons Chris (Mechelle) and Eric, her former daughter in law Lourdes Billingsley and her grandchildren Nicholas (Kailyn), Natalie, and Nourah Barden.

Additionally, she is survived by her sisters Melissa (Ernie) Palmer, Kimberly (Kevin) Jackimowicz, Cynthia Patrick and her brothers Lynn (Isabelle) Patnaude and Jeffrey (Susan) Patnaude.

Her sisters-in-law, Isabelle Patnaude and Nancy Steele were particularly dear to her as were her lifelong childhood friends since the third grade, Ronald Edes and the late Joanne Barrie.

The staff at Saratoga hospital provided Barbara with exemplary care and compassion during her stay.

Donations in Barbara's memory can be made to the  Saratoga Hospital Grateful Patient  program  https://www.saratogahospitalfoundation.org/giving/grateful-patient 

In lieu of a funeral, the family will be hosting a celebration of life at Dancing Grain Farm Brewery in Gansevoort on Sunday, November 2 from 12-4.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com