Saratoga Springs, NY – Barbara E. O'Brien passed away peacefully on December 16, 2020 at the Wesley Community, she was 85.

Barbara was born in Rochester NH, on November 6, 1935 to Louis and Wilhemena Bickford and attended local schools including Spaulding High School. She enjoyed studying Art and was Class Treasurer in High School. Barbara began pursuing her love of dancing by driving out to the Hampton Beach Ballroom for lessons with Arthur Murray Studios and weekly dances. She married the class President, Donald O'Brien and followed him through his Navy career having each of her four children in many Navy seaports up and down the east coast. Her children were her life, and she was theirs. She raised her children managing all four, single-handedly in cities away from family, while her husband was away on ship for months at a time. She settled in Saratoga Springs New York and worked for many years at the Counsel on Ministries for the United Methodist Church. After divorce, Barbara worked for General Electric in Schenectady, and attended Schenectady Community College studying economics and business. She was an Administrative Assistant for GE working at both the main plant and for Knolls Atomic Power in Niskayuna. Barbara lived in Scotia, NY while working at GE before eventually moving back to Saratoga Springs. Barbara continued her love of art and painting, leaving beautiful artwork to be enjoyed by her family forever. Barbara was also a wonderful cook serving many delicious Sunday dinners, prepared with love and care, to family and friends. She was very active in her church taking leadership roles, organizing and participating in coffee hour and church suppers. She was on the Homeowner's Association Board for Cambridge Manor, her residence in Scotia, and was a member of the Red Hat Society attending meetings with her many wonderful friends. Barbara continued to dance throughout her life, attending dances several times per week, taking lessons, as well as teaching others. She was a beautiful and accomplished ballroom dancer. Barbara travelled throughout Europe and the Scandinavian countries, also competing in a Quick Step Ballroom Dance Competition in Blackpool, England. She sewed many of her own beautiful dancing outfits with feathers and sequins for competitions. She enjoyed bus trips and cruises throughout her life, as well as many years spent at the ocean with family and friends in Cape Cod, Maine, and New Hampshire.

Survivors include her four children and their spouses; Kathleen Boggs (John), Diane Barnes (Glenn), Donald O'Brien II (Rita), and Donna Salmiery (Vincent), her grandchildren Sean O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Brett Salmiery and Ashley Minghini as well as three great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cherished friend, Rema Gershon of Clifton Park. She was preceded by her parents, Louis and Wilhemena Bickford, and her sister, Betty Lou Colbroth and the father of her children, Donald W. O'Brien I.

Barbara lived her final 6 years at Wesley Healthcare Center in Saratoga Springs, NY after a car accident. A special note of love and thanks goes out to her entire Wesley family for their love and support to Barbara and her family throughout her years there. Barbara and her family made many friends at Wesley with residents and staff. Her years there were filled with love, activities, music and dancing for as long as possible.

Calling hours will be held from 1-3pm on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service will be celebrated at 3pm. Burial will follow in South Wilton Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Wesley Healthcare Center, 131 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 and Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.