Barbara Jane (Meller) Maniaci

Barbara Jane (Meller) Maniaci, 87, of Camillus, passed away Friday. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Barbara was born in Amsterdam, NY, to Catherine Petterino and Anthony Edward Meller on January 25, 1937. She lived a wonderful and productive life. As a senior in high school, Barbara was named “Miss Amsterdam High School” and her nickname was “Babe.” After graduation, she went on to nursing school at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY, and earned her degree to become a registered nurse. For over 40 years as a labor and delivery nurse, Barbara helped babies enter the world in many hospitals, including St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY, Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton, MA, Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, and St. Joseph’s Health Hospital in Syracuse, NY. She retired from St. Joseph’s Health Hospital in 2002 after the arrival of her granddaughter, Ana. Over the years, Barbara received many cards from new parents whose babies she helped deliver. She trained many residents when they rotated through labor and delivery. She felt labor and delivery nursing was her calling, and the lesson her family took from that was to find work that you absolutely love. 

A communicant of St. Joseph’s Church of Camillus, Barbara also did volunteer work for the Red Cross, the Alzheimer’s Association, and was active in the West Genesee High School Athletic Club. She was a member of the Association of Women’s Health Obstetric Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). When her kids were in school, Barbara could often be found selling pizza at sporting events in the West Genesee High School Booster Booth. She was known by some as “Pizza Mom.” Barbara was the mom and grandma who came to all her kids’ events, such as Little League games, soccer games, lacrosse games, plays, dance recitals and academic days. She chaperoned field trips and attended Ana’s film screenings and college family weekends. No matter what we did or wanted to do, she fully supported her children and granddaughter.

Barbara loved music. She and her husband, Ross, loved to see Chicago and Michael Bublé live in concert. Barbara also saw Bruce Springsteen live three times. One of her claims to fame was that she gave Bruce a hug and kiss on the cheek at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, and told him she was his oldest fan.

Barbara was dearly loved by her family, friends, co-workers, and all who knew her. Her absence will be deeply felt, but they’ll have wonderful memories. Her family would like to thank Dr. David Page and Ellie from Dr. Page’s office; everyone at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, especially Ann Roman; everyone at CenterWell, especially Jessica; the wonderful nurses at Hospice of CNY; and everyone at Francis House.

Barbara is predeceased by her parents; step-father, Nash Steele; and brother, Frederick Meller.

Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Ross M.; daughter, Dr. Kathleen (Dennis McGough) Maniaci of Syracuse; sons, Ross (Susan) Maniaci of Portland, ME, and Matthew (John Samuelson) Maniaci of Whitman, MA; cherished granddaughter, Ana R. Maniaci McGough; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, April 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 5600 West Genesee St., Camillus.

Barbara will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Alzheimer's Association of CNY, 5015 Campuswood Dr., Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057; to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088; or to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.