Obituary of Barbara Moak Bennett

TROY – Barbara A. Moak Bennett passed peacefully into eternal life on April 7, 2023, at Van Rensselaer Manor after a lengthy illness that she faced bravely and calmly. Her loving husband was at her side. She had received the Last Rites and The Apostolic Pardon through the kind care and ministry of her pastor, Father John Yanas of Sacred Heart Church, Troy. The family offers sincere and grateful recognition of the staffs of the A1 Unit at Van Rensselaer Manor, the 5P Unit at Samaritan Hospital, and The Community Hospice for their unfailingly kind and competent care of our dear Barbara. Barbara grew up in South Troy and attended St. Joseph’s School. She went to Catholic Central High School where she was active in several school clubs, including the school band that marched in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hers was among the first classes to be graduated from the “new” Lansingburgh campus in 1956. She next attended the College of Saint Rose, from which she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature, specializing in 19th-century British prose. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, Barbara was hired by the Enlarged City School District of Troy and assigned to teach seventh- and eighth-grade English in School 16. During this time, Barbara earned her master’s degree at St. Rose. She also matriculated at the State University of New York in Albany and at North Adams State University, securing an Educational Administrator Certificate. With that, Barbara went on to be appointed assistant principal at School 12 and, ultimately, principal of School 2 and twice of School 16 in Troy. She was also named among the top ten administrators in New York. Even into her later years, children, and parents from the schools where she taught or was principal would recognize her and thank her for the immensely effective education and guidance, they received from her. After retiring from the public-school positions in 1994, Barbara served as principal of Mother Teresa Academy, Clifton Park, and of St. Jude’s School, Wynantskill. Barbara’s skills with children were kept sharp not just in the classroom and principal’s office. She was the treasured babysitter for her seven young nieces and nephews, who kept her alert (and usually awake) on those evenings when Bob and Doris stepped out. And worse yet—she was awakened by a phone call at 4 a.m. on Christmas to listen to one of those nephews banging away on his new drum set. She had expected the call; she had given him the drums. Barbara very much enjoyed traveling, taking one summer’s vacation between school years to travel with friends throughout the country, managing brief stays in 27 of the states. She also enjoyed trips through Europe with her husband, including a 3-week pilgrimage to the Marian shrines there. In the face of some good-natured opposition from many Boston-fan family members, Barbara maintained her loyalty to both the Giants and Yankees, occasionally “smiling last.” She also stayed on everyone’s good side with her fervent and faithful renditions of the Hippopotamus Song and the Top Ten Hits of Jimmy Boyd. Barb’s excellent sense of humor, generosity, energy, and encouragement were enjoyed by family and friends alike. She was blessed with life-long and faithful friends, notably Barbara Haag, Joan van Slyke, and Joyce O’Neil (RIP). Barbara was a most devoted Catholic. As a schoolgirl, she was a member and occasional leader of several Catholic school clubs and sodalities. Later, she served on parish councils and building committees, was a Lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and participated in her parish’s adult religious education programs. She was a member of the Secular Discalced Carmelite Order. Barbara was pre-deceased by her parents Charles and Kathleen Kelly Moak of South Troy, and by her beloved niece, Kathy Cusack of West Sand Lake. Barbara is survived by her loving husband Isaiah, and by her brother Robert C. (Doris) Moak of Wynantskill. She was the loving aunt of Mary Beth (Larry) Quinn, Kathleen (Steven) Cusack, Robert (Rose) Moak, Christine Moak, William (Ellen) Moak, Brian (Robin) Moak, and Colleen Moak, as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-great nephew and niece. Barbara was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:30AM, preceded by a ninety-minute visitation at the church (10AM-11:30AM). Inurnment will be in the Pieta Columbarium in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy. Flowers are gratefully declined. Instead, family and friends may wish to arrange a Mass to be offered for the repose of Barbara’s soul; a donation in Barbara’s name may also be made to Van Rensselaer Manor, Troy. Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with the Bennett Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com