Obituary of Barbara Wango

Barbara Wango, a long-time resident of Schenectady, New York, passed away March 8, 2024, while in short-term rehab at Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Amsterdam. Daughter of Allean (Foster) Herbst and Harold Foster (both deceased), and husband James “Cando” Wango (also deceased), she is survived by her sisters Lorraine (Clarence) Connor of Bennington, VT and Kathy Christopherson of Minnetonka, MN and also her stepdaughter Symone Wango-Perkins (Montrell) of East Greenbush, NY; and stepsons James and Cando Wango of Brooklyn, NY. Family survivors also include her nephew Mark (Miriam) Connor of Westchester, PA; nieces Donna (Michael) Kuper of Mesa, AZ; Linda (Thomas) Otero of Ellenton, FL; Pamela Hurley of Lake Placid, NY and Sheila Connor (Jeff Sandler) of San Diego, CA and as well as grandnieces and grandnephews: Cassandra Harrell; Monica Harrell; Lauren Hurley; Adrian Connor; Walter, Bridgett and Felicia Otero; Mark Connor and Michelle (Connor) Bernasconi and their children. Born and raised in Troy, NY, Barbara graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1960. Barbara retired in 1990 after many years as a computer operator for the New York State Office of General Services where she developed computer skills at the forefront of the computer age. It was working for the State that she met her two best friends, Andrea Growick and Carmen Holsapple who remained friends for the next 50 years. Barbara’s lifelong passion was art. After retirement, Barbara attended the State University of New York at Albany where she took a variety of courses in visual arts and music, including guitar lessons. She was a talented photographer who loved photographing faces. She also immersed herself in a variety of “assignments” that ranged from charcoal drawings to oil paintings and watercolors to fiber arts. Over the years, Barbara and her foodie friends enjoyed going out to eat (Barbara loved a good Indian buffet!) and going to art shows. Her friends described Barbara as progressive and open-minded. Friends and family alike remember Barbara as a stylish dresser and creative home designer who threw “the best parties ever” including big Thanksgiving buffets for her neighbors. Above all though, she will be remembered as a funny, kind and generous person who was happiest when she was helping others. Barbara was an avid supporter of The Albany Damien Center. After her husband Cando died, she created the Cando Kids Club in her neighborhood. She arranged all kinds of activities and outings for the kids. She loved children – as a teen, she used to bring home children from the orphanage. She also loved animals and shared her home with numerous cats and dogs over the years. A brief service will be held at Daly Funeral Home at 242 McClellan St, Schenectady, NY 12304 on Saturday, March 16. Viewing time is noon to 1pm followed by a brief service and procession to Vale Cemetery where she will be buried next to her husband Cando Wango. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Barbara’s memory to The Albany Damien Center: Mail a check to 728 Madison Ave #100, Albany, NY 12208 with “Tribute to Barbara Wango” in memo. Or donate online. The Albany Damien Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of people impacted by HIV, mental health, and homelessness in a safe, inclusive environment.