Obituary of Barbara Marilyn Elmer

At the age of 81, Barbara Elmer died peacefully on March 22, 2015. Barb was born in Georgetown, NY on April 17, 1933, the Daughter of Clara and Ben Wightman. Barb graduated from Morrisville-Eaton High School in 1950, married Leo in 1952, and graduated as a Registered Nurse from St Luke's Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. Mom then went on to become a Nurse Practitioner in 1977. In the 50s and 60s Barb worked in the St Luke's maternity ward, then for Dr. Manogue in the 70s and 80s, and finally at Slocum Dickson Medical clinic before retiring in 1993. Barb was then able to spend more time with Leo, grandchildren, friends and extended family. Grandma Barb and Grandpa Leo's was a favorite place for all the grandchildren where they were fed loads of cookies, candy and apple pie. The kids were encouraged to play outside with sticks, rocks, swords and other dangerous items…when questioned Grandma would simply reply, "they're alright…they've gotta learn". None were ever seriously injured… Leo and Barb were inseparable and were quite the team, especially financially. Mom and Dad would make the money, Mom would manage it, and Dad would spend it, most often on the grandchildren. Barbara is with Leo now as he passed in 2013. She will be greatly missed by her children: Bob, Dave (spouse Cindy), and Susan Krebs (spouse Scott), her grandchildren: Heather, Dustin, Hillary, Malorie, Ben, Anneliese, Jessica and Tyler, and her great grandchildren: Erika, Jayden, and Lev, sisters Edie Russ, and Sybil Hartshorn, sister in-law Linda Wightman, as well as her brother-in-law Vern Elmer and wife Sheila. There is also a loving extended family of nieces and nephews, their families, and all the friends she made along her way. Barb is predeceased by her brothers Louis and Benjamin and sisters Natalie, Alice, and Clara. A memorial service is being planned for some time in the summer. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Lairdsville United Methodist Church-State Route 5 Clinton NY 13323 and/or Presbyterian Home, P.O. Box 1144 New Hartford, NY 13413