Barbara Ann (Baker) Schwarting

Barbara Ann (Baker) Schwarting’s mind and body became quiet when she moved on to her next life on Thursday at age 92. Though she hadn't finished all her projects, it was time to be with her ancestors, leaving them in good hands to be finished. Enthusiastic about everything in which she was involved, be it family, cooking, genealogy, profession, community, church, quilting, counted cross stitch, nature, or gardening, she left behind memories and possessions to remind those who come after of her life on Earth.

Born on November 13, 1931, in Olean, NY, to the late Raymond Joseph and Vinna Charlotte (Spangler) Baker of Friendship, NY, Barbara lived in Syracuse and Jordan since her marriage to William Henry Schwarting on August 30, 1953. In 1998, she joined the family business, Schwarting Drainage, following her retirement after 30 years with Cornell Cooperative Extension. As an educator with the National Assn. of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, Barbara thoroughly enjoyed the variety of teaching positions she held. She was a leader for the New York State and National Assn. of Extension 4-H Agents, and a variety of State and National Cooperative Extension committees. Barbara’s early career began with Huntington Family Centers, and Girls, Inc. at YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County, Inc. Throughout her life, she was also a leader at Christ Episcopal Church, CNY Genealogical Society, Empire State Bottle Collectors Assoc., Jordan-Elbridge Central School District Board, and Town of Elbridge Building, Codes, & Zoning Dept. Board. An active genealogist, Barbara researched both her and her husband's families and led groups to the archives in Salt Lake City, UT, Albany, Boston, MA, and NYC. She treasured the times with the Memory Writing Group, appreciating the stories written about their lives.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, William Henry Schwarting Jr., in 2015.

Surviving are Barbara’s cherished family whom she leaves behind, including her sons, Brad Donn (Suzanne Steinbacher), Paul Duane (Mavis Roberts), and David Kim (Amy Whipple); grandchildren, Andrea (Andrew) Reed, Kurt, Ethan, Zane, Emily (Drury) Borchers, Aurie, Luke, Haley, Logan, Jakob, and Lawton Schwarting; great-grandsons, Ian Reed, Hudson Borchers, and Ronan Schwarting; and brother, Richard Everett (Roberta Snyder) Baker.

Family and friends are invited to Barbara’s funeral service on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Jordan. An uplifting celebration of her life will follow in the parish hall.

Barbara will be laid to rest in Onondaga Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse, at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 25 N. Main St., Jordan, NY 13080; Jordan Bramley Library, 15 Mechanic St., Jordan, NY 13080; or to an organization of one’s choice.