Obituary of Barbara J. Conley

Barbara Duncan Conley, 72, of Clinton, passed away on April 12, 2024, at Wynn Hospital with her family by her side.

Barb was born in Utica on November 13, 1951, daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Louise (DeMarse) Duncan. She attended Utica Free Academy, MVCC and SUNY IT. Barb retired in 2003 from The Arc of Oneida-Lewis after many years as the Director of Human Resources. She was a strong advocate for those with developmental disabilities and cherished her friendships with many of the people she worked with and is remembered fondly. She was an active member of North Utica Rotary for many years.

Barb was an amazingly strong woman who stood up for not just those she knew and loved but for the rights of people she had never met.  She loved everyone, but especially her children and grandchildren, blood and chosen, and they in turn, loved her. Called “Gammer” by more than just the children of her children, all her grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy! Barb was intelligent and caring, welcoming and loving. More than anything else she loved to spend time with her family and friends, whether it was Bingo at the casino, a picnic in the yard or just a quiet dinner at home.

She will be missed by her daughters and spouse, Cheryl Alberski and Christopher Spink of Clinton, and Carissa Leary of Saratoga Springs; her beloved grandchildren, Ehlanna Spink/partner Adam Penino of Utica, Hunter Duncan/fiancé Matthew Hickey of TN, and Quinn Duncan of CO; her husband Kevin Conley; brother Thomas Duncan; nephew David Goralczyk; niece Gail Losee; great-nephews and their spouses, David Bevan, Nathan Bevan, and Tyler Losee; her best friends, Victoria Hillebrand and Joan Lavner; and her many special “adopted children and grandchildren”.  Barb was predeceased by her beloved son Duane Duncan; sister/brother-in-law Nancy and Carl Goralczyk, brother Jeffrey Duncan, sister Erin Duncan, son-in-law Charles Leary, and sister-in-law Liz Duncan.

All are invited to call Monday, April 22, 2024, from 5-7pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. A Memorial Service will follow at 7pm at the funeral home.

Please consider donations in Barb’s memory to the FineArc Program c/o The Arc of Oneida-Lewis, 245 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501.