SHERBURNE – Barbara Gay Smith, 64, of East State St., passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at her home.
Born March 31, 1944 in Earlville, she was a daughter of Hugh and Pauline Borst Palmer. She was a graduate of Earlville High School and received her BS degree in Library Science from SUNY Geneseo. On June 22, 1968, Gay married Robert John Smith. They made their home in Sherburne where Gay was a librarian for the Sherburne-Earlville Central School until her retirement. She had also worked at the Clinton Central School and for the Sherburne Public Library. Gay inspired many young students to become avid readers.  People of all ages sought refuge, love and friendship in her library.
Gay was a devoted member of the United Church of Christ in Sherburne, where she was an active Deacon, held many offices and served as the chairperson of the Counsel of Churches. She was very committed to her community as a member of the Sherburne Rotary Club; as a volunteer server for the Community Lunch Program; as a participant and team leader in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life; and a volunteer for the Catholic Charities Abuse Hotline. She was also a member of the Earlville Opera House and the NYS Retired Teachers Association.
Barbara Gay Smith was a bright, extraordinary woman who loved life, of this there can be no question. Her zest for living took on many manifestations. Some as simple as the reading of a good mystery or spending time with her family and friends, and others as daring as ballooning on the currents a thousand feet above the California desert, or llama trekking through the majestic Sedona red rocks. Her fun loving nature was undeniable and was immediately evident when she stepped into a room. Depending on the day, she may have shown up in a vivid floral ensemble with matching shoes, a Cat in the Hat costume, or polka-dotted rain boots. In any regalia, her beauty shone through.
She took great pleasure in hosting simple coffee clutches, birthday parties, holiday dinners and even a sparkling backyard wedding for her daughter. Regardless of the occasion, you could rest assured that there would be a multitude of fresh flowers from her glorious gardens, antique linens making old card tables look royal, and a smattering of fun trinkets collected throughout her many travels. Lively conversation, tasty food and endless hospitality were all hallmarks of any gathering at her home. Gay’s beloved animals were also an integral part of her family. The successive line of ever present dogs and cats were an important part of her daily life as she delighted in their antics and found comfort in their companionship. Many a wayward feline found a forever home with the Smiths and an endless supply of treats and affection.
Above all else, she cherished her family and her large collection of exquisite friends. She enriched our lives with her graceful spirit, enduring courage, giving heart and beautiful soul. Our memories of her vivacious smile will be with us always. Her legacy is one of love, joy and laughter.
Surviving are her husband of forty years Robert; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Gay and Edward Sullivan, Jr. of Lovettsville, Va.: a son and daughter-in-law, Christopher Robert and Mary Smith of Towanda, Pa.; two granddaughters, Emily and Abigail Smith; a sister, Janet Ritter and Vicki Urben of Earlville; sisters-in-law, Kathy and Darren Capra of Mo. and Roxanne Roberts of OH; and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the United Church of Christ, Sherburne.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the West Bainbridge Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, Gay’s family has requested contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057; the Sherburne Public Library, PO Box 702, Sherburne, NY 13460; Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815; or to the SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.