Barbara K. Seiler, 72, a lifelong resident of Norwich, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital with family by her side, and after a courageous battle against cancer.
Born April 1, 1944, Barbara was the daughter of Carl and Violet (Phillips) Cowles. She graduated from Norwich High School and earned a beauticians degree from Syracuse Beauty School in Syracuse, NY. She continued as a beautician for only a short time, having given up such work to raise her beloved children. Barbara was known most for her kind and caring work as a child care professional. She owned “Rug Rats” for many, many years, and 45 years overall in child care, having helped to care for some 1,000 children over her career. She only stopped such work within the last year due to her declining health.
In addition to a love for her children, and for the children she cared for, Barbara was very active in the Norwich community. She was a highly recognized member of the Sidney Moose Club Auxiliary. Barbara was also a regular volunteer with the St. Bartholomew’s Tuesday evening Soup Kitchen and Field Days. She also helped the St. Bart’s ladies conduct other soup and sandwich events held at the Parish Center.
Barbara was an active bowler, and participated in many mixed leagues over the years, and was an accomplished dancer, including tap dancing. She also very much enjoyed her “trips to the library,” otherwise known as visiting the slot machines at Turning Stone casino.
On December 30, 1989, on Plymouth Street, Barbara married Raymond “Skip” Seiler, who survives. Together they spent 27 glorious years together.
In addition to her husband, Barbara is survived by her sister Kim (Robert) Dyer, of Ontario, NY; children Amy (Steve) Prime, John C. (Gretchen Gerlitz) Quattrocchi, Jamie (Tim Llewellyn) Quattrocchi, and Anthony (Allison) Quattrocchi, each of Norwich; step-children Brian (Debbie) Seiler, of Preston, Chad (Jennifer) Seiler, of San Rafael, CA, Drew “Bear” (Crystal) Seiler, of Norwich, and Miranda (Michael) Murphy, of Norwich; grandchildren Josephine, Jillian, Abigail, Courteney, Lauren, Cameron, Keegan, Jake, Julia, Isabella, and Jayce; and 12 step-grandchildren. Several in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive. She was predeceased by her sister, Sandra Cassevah.
Funeral services for Barbara will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2017, where Deacon Timothy McNerney of the Church of St. Bartholomew, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Church of St. Bartholomew Capital Campaign, 81 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.