Obituary of Barbara Ann Sawyer

Barbara Ann Sawyer
Walker Valley, NY

Barbara Xeller Sawyer, 90, of Walker Valley, New York, passed away on  February 25, 2025. She was born on March 8, 1934, in Far Rockaway,  New York, to Albert Xeller and Helen Lippencott Xeller. Barbara met the love of her life, George Sawyer, in her father’s mechanic shop, where George’s passion for cars and engines first caught her eye. Their love story was built on a shared excitement for speed and adventure,  spending countless evenings at the dirt racetrack, cheering on their favorite  drivers—especially George.  George lovingly whisked her away from Long  Island to Walker Valley, where they built a home and a life together filled with love, family, and unforgettable memories. They have been happily  married for 73 years. A woman of deep faith, Barbara was a devoted member of the Walker  Valley Methodist Church since 1960. Over the years, she held numerous  roles within the church, including trustee, secretary, Administrative Council,  and an active member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Barbara and George’s adventurous spirit led them to many glorious years of snowmobiling through the scenic trails of the Shawangunk Mountains, as well as countless trail miles in the Adirondacks, particularly in Speculator, New York, where they owned a home for many years.  

She was a proud  member of the Shawangunk Mountain Snowmobile Club and an active  participant in the Republican Club of Shawangunk. While Barbara worked outside the home for a time, including years at Pine  Bush Central School District from 1974 to 1980 and working alongside her  daughter Kathy at Magic Preschool from 1980 to 1994,her true career and  greatest joy was caring for her loving daughters. She dedicated her life to  raising her family with warmth and strength, creating a home filled with laughter and guidance. An avid antique collector, Barbara spent many years traveling in search of  unique treasures, a passion she inherited from her mother. She also cherished simple joys, whether it was spending time with family, sharing laughter with her grandchildren, or reminiscing about cherished memories. Barbara was predeceased by her daughter, Stacey Sawyer, her loving son- in-law, Roger Rascoe, brother Richard Xeller, and brother-in-law Michael Lackey. She is survived by her devoted husband, George, her sister, Carole  Lackey, sister-in-law Claire Xeller, brother and sister-in-law Mary and John Sawyer, and her daughters: Kathy (Wayne) Joray, Jane Rascoe, Betsy (Jay) Bain, and Susan (Frank) Jackowski. Barbara was a loving grandmother to Barbara (Leo) Fotopoulos, David Thomas, and Sandra  (John) Felice, step granddaughters Renee DeGroat (Kevin) and Adrienne Rascoe.  She was also a proud great-grandmother to Nicole (Joe), Leo (Melissa), Kraig, Abreeanna, George, Andrew, Avery, Reagan and Carter. Also, a loving great-great-grandmother to Zane, Kali, Ava, and Priscilla. Barbara’s kindness, faith, and love for her family will forever be cherished.  Her warmth and unwavering devotion to those she loved will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held on Friday February 28, 2025 from 10am - 12pm the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush, NY. Funeral services will be offered at 12:00pm with Pastor Robert B. Hewitt officiating. Burial will be in Walker Valley Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com