GUILDERLAND CENTER — Barbara A. Newell, a school-bus driver who loved children, died peacefully at Albany Medical Center on Monday, July 20, 2020 surrounded by her loving sons. She was 74.

She was born Feb. 1, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to the late John and Elizabeth Newell.

She lived on Long Island most of her life where she was a school-bus driver.

“It was her dream job because she loved to be around the children every day,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She loved being a go-to person when someone needed help and always opened her door to provide comfort or shelter to those in need.

“Her greatest joys were being near her sons and grandchildren, so she moved to Guilderland Center in 2015 to be close to them.”

She is survived by her sons, Keith and Charles; Keith’s wife. Ariana; her grandchildren, Elara and Talia; her brothers, Ted, Rich, and John; and a large extended family.

Her sister, Vicky, died before her, as did her partner, Joe.

A memorial service will be planned in the future.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helen Keller Services for the Blind or the Helderberg Reformed Church, 435 Route 146, Box 196, Guilderland Center, NY 12085.