ALTAMONT — “The world lost an exquisite human being on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Barbara Denise Harris was born on July 26, 1952, into a life of excruciating pain and magnificent beauty,” her family wrote in a tribute.

“Her life’s work consisted of being absolutely certain that her children, Christopher and Aiden, would be prepared for her death. Barbara did this by spending each opportunity with them infusing her 65 years of wisdom, passion, and worry into their beings,” her family wrote. “She succeeded.

“It would be impossible for Barbara’s students to forget the ways in which she put her heart — and voice — fully into each classroom moment. During Barbara’s more than 30 years of teaching art at Schalmont Schools, she fell madly in love with her kids and the brilliance that they showed when they were being their true selves — artists.

“Barbara revelled in the freedom of swimming, anguished over writing down her life’s story and her countless dreams, and longed to be by the ocean in Ogunquit, Maine. Barbara had an unmatched passion for seeing and creating art in everything around her. In her words, in her home, in her paintings, in her children. She was, after all, truly an Artist.

“Barbara will forever lovingly haunt her adult children, Christopher and Aiden Cropsey. Perhaps more importantly, Barbara will be deeply missed by her big black Lab, Sam; her grand-dogs, Motley and Koda; and little Cleo the cat.

“Barbara is also survived by her loving sister LuAnn Harris, her niece Samantha Laddin, and her nephew Benjamin Laddin. Barbara is embodied by all of her closest friends with whom she shared her life and love, and her spirit will never escape us.

“Barbara lived every second with remarkable kindness, passion, and strength.

“Barbara had the best stories — and everyone has a great story about Barbara. Please share your story with us — just as she would have. Letters may be mailed to Post Office Box 560, Altamont NY, 12009. Memories may also be shared on her new website, https://barbarax.art/. Barbara will have one last soirée by the pool in the month of July. Details will be announced on her website.

“You have flown away, mom. Now leave all this to yesterday. Chris and I love you in the deepest way fathomable. XOXO.”