Obituary of Barbara E. Fortier

On October 31, 2021 Barbara Elizabeth Fortier - "Aunt Rusty," died in Cooperstown NY after a battle with Alzheimers. She spent the last 3 years in the loving care of her children, and final months with the compassionate staff of Woodside Hall in Cooperstown. She was 92 years old. Barbara is survived by her children, Frederick (Patti) Fortier, Susan (Michael) Dale and Amie (John) Hausmann; and siblings Wanda Neale & Nora (Bryan) Fitch of Delhi NY; grandchildren Jennifer, Jeffrey, Julian, Monet, Jackie, and Sean, step-grandchildren Joshua, Scot, Julie and Beth, great-grandchildren Ian, Ryan, Shannon, Natalia & Halina and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Gladys & William Hawley, her husband Frederick Fortier, her dearest sister Beatrice (Bill) Ratcliffe, her partner, Lester (Buddy) Wilsey, her niece Cindy and nephew James and her beloved son Edward Fortier. Barbara was born on 8/16/1929 in Walton, NY. She graduated from Delaware Academy in 1947 and went on to attend Albany Business College. Barbara married Frederick G. Fortier in 1949 and converted and embraced the Roman Catholic faith. Barbara was primarily a homemaker, but worked at Duanes Toyland and SUNY Albany later in life. She was known for her love of all flowers and gardening and especially African Violets. She loved bird watching, animals and always had a cat. She spent many years bowling in leagues and country square dancing. She had a special love for her second home at Saratoga Lake and summering there, playing cards, swimming and enjoying activities with extended family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Barbara on Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle. Calling hours will be held Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. The family asks that donations be sent to Schoharie County Office of the Aging, 113 Park Place, Suite #3, Schoharie, NY 12157, in lieu of flowers.