Barbara A. Pentak

Barbara A. Pentak, a successful businesswoman and passionate crafter and gardener, died on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at home with the loving and loyal support of her family. She was 93.

She was born and raised in Long Branch, New Jersey.

“A gardening enthusiast who enjoyed sharing her knowledge with family and friends, she enjoyed caring for her gardens and ponds, particularly watching the variety of birds that visited her yard,” her family wrote in a tribute. “A passionate crafter and artist, she enjoyed a wide variety of mediums.  

“Barbara worked in banking early in her life. She was an active member in the Altamont community, joining the PTA, Garden Club, St. Lucy’s Church, and becoming a successful real-estate agent and businesswoman specializing in handmade bears and baskets.”

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Barbara A. Pentak is survived by her four children, Nancy A. Pentak; Karen M. Martin and her husband, Thomas; Sandra J. Pentak Cohen and her husband, Steven; and William J. Pentak and his wife, Tracy.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chaille Cohen, Aaron Martin and his wife, Annie, Nicholas Martin and Courtney, Maxwell Cohen, and Tyler Pentak; her great-grandchildren, Tricia Blais, Sophie, Carter, and Bailey Martin; and her great-great-grandchild, Aubrey Blais.

“She will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and friends,” her family wrote.

Her husband, William Pentak, died before her.

A Memorial Mass was held at St. Lucy’s Church in Altamont on Friday, Nov. 22.

“In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity,” her family wrote. “A special thank-you to the caregivers who made her final days comfortable and peaceful.”

More Obituaries

  • From the family of Barbara Cross, we want to thank you all for the cards of sympathy and for a great turnout to show the caring, respect, and love you all had for Barbara.

    Myself, Wade and Cheryl, Geri Lynn and Tony, and Merideth all extend our thanks for your sympathy and love.

  • In Memoriam 

    Whereas, God, in his infinite wisdom, has called our member and fellow co-worker, Barbara A. Cross, to her Heavenly Home, the Berne Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary acknowledges the service that she performed for the organization in her many years of membership. 

  • Mrs. Helen K. Bensen, who raised her family in Rensselaerville where she and her husband worked on their dairy farm, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Tennessee where she had lived for 49 years. She was 96.

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