Biography
Potsdam - Barbara A. Cobb, a creative, caring, dynamic and compassionate woman, was born on June 09, 1945 in Troy, NY and died on January 21, 2010 in Potsdam, NY. She married Theodore Cobb, her lifelong love, on December 12, 1964 and together they embarked on a faith-filled journey. Their home and community for over 35 years was Fairport, NY and in 2003, they moved to Potsdam, NY to be closer to family. They spent many summers, and after retirement, much of their time at their cottage on Sand Lake in Elgin, Ontario,CA. Barb and Ted developed many friends through their involvement with the Taoist Tai Chi Society, Kingston, Ontario Branch.
After high school, Barbara attended nursing school and worked as an LPN for a short time. Soon after birthing a son and a daughter, she welcomed many foster children and adopted nine children into the family. Barbara started, and served as president of Homes In Service (HIS) Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit foster care placement agency; and at age 40 pursued her dream of teaching. After graduating from Nazareth College in 1989 and receiving a Masters of Arts in English from SUNY Brockport, she taught ninth grade English in the Fairport Central School District. An avid seamstress, she also created costumes and served as artistic director for the Minerva DeLand Drama Club.
An artist at heart, Barbara dabbled in many crafts over the years. She was skillful at painting, flower arranging and cooking. She loved to sing and was director of her church choir at the Church of the Resurrection in Perinton, NY for many years.
Outspoken and passionate, her life was full of laughter. She enjoyed traveling and playing games with family and friends. The English language and reading were her passions. Shakespeare's SONNET 29, was especially meaningful to her:
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
Lines 11-15
Barbara is survived and deeply missed by her husband, Ted, many grown children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, in-laws, and friends.
Gifts in her memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Private services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences and memories can be shared with Barbara's family at www.hammillfh.com.
