Obituary of Barbara C. Blossom

Barbara C. Blossom (1925 - 2011) Vestal: Barbara C. Blossom, 86, of Vestal, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward L. Blossom in 2001. She was born in Jersey Shore, PA on July 2, 1925 and was the only daughter of Edward S. and Kathryn Barbe Carter both of whom predeceased her. She attended Gettysburg College and received a B.A. from Penn State University. She also did graduate work at Lehigh University and Binghamton University. Barbara began her teaching career in Allentown, PA. From 1968 to 1982, she was Education Director at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Vestal. Following that she did substitute teaching at Vestal Senior High for eight years. Barbara was a freelance writer with more than 80 published articles in both magazines and newspapers and was co-author of a high school textbook on Ethics. She loved playing tennis and in recent years loved pursuing genealogy and keeping in touch with old friends via the internet. Barbara was the Past President of the Vestal Jayncees, past member of the American Association of University Women, Board of Directors member of Good Shepherd Fairview Home in Binghamton where she served as secretary for six years and Chairman of the Community Awareness Committee. For many years she worked as a volunteer in the Pre-Admission Testing Area of Wilson Hospital and more recently helped staff the Patient Information Desk at Wilson. Other volunteer activities include being a mentor to students in local schools, helping with Bingo at the Vestal Nursing Center and various responsibilities at her church. She is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Blossom Stuart and her husband Collin of Vestal, a son, Mark E. Blossom MD of Billings, MT as well as three grandchildren, Andrew Stuart of Philadelphia, PA, Jennifer Blossom of Philadelphia, PA and Benjamin Blossom of Phoenix, AZ and Billings, MT, as well as several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a very special friend, Ivor Davies, who shared many happy times with her. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011 at 10:00 am from St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell. The family will receive their friends on Sunday from 3 to 6 pm at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main St., Vestal. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Paul's Episcopal Church CHOW Pantry, 200 Jefferson Ave., Endicott, NY 13760, Meals on Wheels of Western Broome or any Ronald McDonald House.