Obituary of Barbara Anne Markey
SCHENECTADY –
Barbara Anne (Cresswell) Markey passed away on October 8, 2023. She was a resident of the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for the past several years.
Barbara was born on November 26, 1931 in Utica, New York. She grew up in nearby Clinton. Barbara attended the New York State Teachers College in New Paltz (now SUNY New Paltz), where she was a member of the Clio Society. Barbara graduated as valedictorian of her class and began teaching at Horace Mann Elementary School in Schenectady. Barbara met her future husband Joseph Markey on a blind date and they married in 1956. Barbara stepped away from teaching to raise her four children.
The family moved to Schoharie when the children were all of school age, and Barbara returned to teaching as a remedial reading teacher at Schoharie Central School. She also found time to serve as a Girl Scout troop leader, and a deacon at the Schoharie First Presbyterian Church.
After relocating to Niskayuna in 1973, Barbara worked as the manager for the Union College faculty and staff childcare center. She received the Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award from Governor Mario Cuomo, and the Susan B. Anthony Award from the League of Women Voters, for her work with Concerned for the Hungry (a precursor to the Schenectady Community Ministries food program).
Barbara and Joe travelled extensively during retirement, including trips to Japan, Cuba, Norway, Germany, Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, the American West, and the Canadian Rockies. They also travelled across the Atlantic Ocean on the luxury cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II.
Children were always the priority in Barbara’s life. Besides being a dedicated teacher, she was a loving and involved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Joseph Haven Markey, her brother Charles Stephen Cresswell and in-laws Barbara Cresswell, Joan Cresswell, Valerie Cresswell, Nancy and Robert Benjamin, and Ida Mae and James Markey. She is survived by her brother Roger Cresswell of Clinton and children Margaret Elizabeth Corey (Mark) of Niskayuna, Stephen Joseph Markey (Sharon) of Poulsbo, Washington, William Haven Markey (Nicole) of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and Ann Marie Prouty (Martin) of Kula, Hawaii. Also, grandchildren Michael Corey (Rachel), Mary Corey Dailey (Jon), Kira Markey, Fletcher Prouty (Laura), Robert Prouty, and Samuel Markey, great grandchildren Dora and Joseph Dailey, and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
A family celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a future date.
Those wishing to honor Barbara’s memory may consider a donation to Schenectady Community Ministries, P.O. Box 1049, Schenectady NY 12301.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Markey Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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