Barbara Small
Barbara Ann Small 62, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at her home in Arkville NY.
Born in Philipsburg, PA to Eugene and Mary ( Olenoski ) Muckey on March 12, 1963
Barbara was a 1982 graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola High School. She made the move to the Catskills with her young son not long after. She met Allan, and their daughter completed the family by the end of the decade. Her loving heart, and drive to help others pushed her into higher education and ultimately a position as a sign language interpreter. She additionally put some time in as an EMT, a corrections officer, and also the director of the American Red Cross of Delaware County. She also spent a significant amount of time shuttling her two children, and typically a few friends, to and from the countless sports events, theater performances, scout outings, and social engagements they committed themselves, and her, to. She was always at the ready to cheer on her children, and the mutlple others that she loved as her own. She would never miss an opportunity to hop in the car and go on a road trip. Most often those trips were back to central Pennsylvania to be with her mother, brothers, niece, nephews, and friends. The distance made no impact on the love she had for them all. She truly loved to travel, and enjoyed many trips with dear friends, most often in close proximity to a beach. Her love of simple joys extended to her pets, which she loved and spoke about (and to) as if they were her actual children. She loved hot air balloons, fireworks, reading a good book, and never wanted to miss a meteor shower. Above all though, her greatest love in the entire world were her grandchildren. Although her marriage with Allan had desolved, their friendship held strong. She did find love again in Bob, and they enjoyed many years together. Unfortunately over the last few years, Barbara faced multiple health issues, but Bob lovingly supported her through them all, and remained at her side to the very end.
She will forever be held in the heart and memory of all that knew her. She was a friend to all and never failed to make a new friend wherever she went. She leaves behind a legacy of perogies and sarcasm, and an infectious laugh.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, James.
She is survived by her sister Lila, of San Diego CA, and two brothers Richard and Daniel both of Osceola Mills, PA.
Also surviving are her children, Andrew Murphy of Albany, NY, Mary Small and Joe Steketee of Margaretville, NY and four grandchildren, Joseph, Jonathan, Silas, and Avangeline, and long time companion Bob Payne, and former spouse, Allan Small. Along with countless friends that have become family over the years.