ALTAMONT — Barbara Ann Gray — a ready helper whether caring for kids or at the American Legion — died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. She was 72.

She graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo and then continued her education to become a licensed practical nurse.

“Barbara ran her own day care for many years and was known by all the kids as ‘Nana,’” her family wrote in a tribute. “Barbara was the first to volunteer whenever anything was needed and would do anything for anyone.

“She especially loved being a member of the American Legion Post 977 where she was a secretary and chaplain. She did anything that needed to be done at the Legion, including cooking, bartending, and cleaning.

“Barbara loved gardening, embroidery, and crocheting. She has made so many baby blankets for every baby born that she knew.

“Barbara was loved by everyone who knew her and will be so deeply missed.”

****

Barbara Ann Gray is survived by her husband of 32 years, Don Gray; by her daughter, Wendy Pollard, and her husband, Marc; by her son, Donivan Pitcher, and his wife, Tracey; by her son-in-law, Chad Ferriero; and by her grandchildren, Adam, Ashley, Evan, Emily, Christopher, Chet (Tas), Shane, JD, and Carson.

She is also survived by her sisters, Elaine Persons and her husband, Tom, Susan Halse and her husband, Ed, Joan Morrow and her husband, Morris; by her brothers, Thomas Garry and Michael Garry and his wife, Brenda; by her brother-in-law, David Gray, and his wife, Deb; by her sisters-in-law, Dayle Hempstead and her husband, Don, Darlene Leto and her husband, Mike, Doreen Struck and her husband, George, and Dawn Bentley and her husband, Bill; and by many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Her parents, George and Martha Garry, died before her, as did her daughter, Tammy Ferriero.

An open house memorial gathering will be held at the American Legion Post 977 at 988 Altamont Blvd. in Altamont on Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon to 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Auxiliary, Post Office Box 461 Altamont, NY 12009.