Obituary of Barbara W. Cresswell

Barbara Ann Williams Cresswell, 83, passed peacefully to heaven on March 14, 2023, at The Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, after bravely enduring Parkinson's disease for many years.  She was born on March 31, 1939, in Utica, NY, to Robert H. and Mary Louise (Langdon) Williams.

Barbara lived her entire life in Clinton, beginning with an idyllic childhood on Fountain St. with her parents, younger sister Jeanne, and close neighborhood friends.  Back then, she enjoyed ice skating and was a member of the Clinton Figure Skating Club.  She also received her education from Clinton’s schools and was employed by Utica Mutual in New Hartford for a time before marrying.

Barbara was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Clinton.  It was there on August 24, 1957, she married her beloved Roger W. "Mannie" Cresswell, Jr., a loving union that lasted 65 years.  Together they lived and raised their family in the home Roger built.  Barbara worked tirelessly to keep a beautiful home and cared for her husband and daughters, always putting them first.  When her daughters were students at St. Mary’s School, Barbara volunteered during the school lunch breaks.  She also was a member of the St. Mary's Women's Club.  For a time, during busy shopping seasons, Barbara worked alongside her mother at “Elizabeth’s”, the women’s fine apparel store in the village.  For over twenty years, before the convenience and speed of computers, she teamed with her husband to coordinate school bus routes for the Clinton Central School District, locating and plotting each student’s home for the daily runs.  Barbara also took time to bake after-school treats for her daughters and their friends.  She loved all the fun and laughter the teenagers brought to the house.

Along with her devoted and loving husband, Roger, Barbara is survived by her cherished family; daughters and sons-in-law Cynthia and Matthew DeCotis, Niskayuna, NY and Bonnie and Richard Maxam, Clinton, NY;  four grandchildren, Amy DeCotis, Richie Maxam, Roger Maxam, and Jenny Maxam and her fiancé Alex Steinhilber;  great-granddaughter Julia Madden and her dad Colin; special cousin Susan Dressel; sister-in-law Barbara Cresswell Markey; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; in addition to dear friends, including those from “Thursday Mornings at Tiffany’s” and her “Deansboro Girls”.  Barbara greatly enjoyed the camaraderie she experienced with her friends.

She was predeceased by her firstborn newborn daughter Deborah Ann Cresswell; her sister Jeanne Lockwood; her grandson Daniel DeCotis, whom she sponsored for Confirmation; and many loved family members and friends.

Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  She was an honorable woman with the sweetest disposition, beautiful inside and out.  Her family will always be indebted to Barbara for every kind word, each thoughtful action, and all the laughter they shared.  Barbara led by example and showed her family how to incorporate good moral values into their lives.  She was there for everyone and will remain in their hearts forever.

Friends and family may call on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Services, 35 College St, Clinton, from 5 pm to 7 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11 am  at St. Mary’s Church, Marvin St, Clinton.  Barbara's final resting place will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Please consider donations in Barbara’s memory to Clinton Fire Department, PO Box 134, Clinton, NY  13323; or The Country Pantry, PO Box 76, Clinton, NY  13323; or COCVAC, c/o NBT Bank, 8549 Seneca Tpke, New Hartford, NY  13413; or Hospice & Palliative Care Inc, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Barbara's family is very grateful for the invaluable, wonderful women who cared for her over the years.  They gently tended to Barbara and brought peace of mind to her family.  Also, the family is thankful to the staff at The Pines and Hospice for the kindness and care given to Barbara during her last days.  Lastly, blessings to those who kept Barbara and her family in their thoughts and prayers.