Obituary of Barbara A. Curtis

Barbara K. Curtis 1940 – 2018 Burlington Flats Barbara K. Curtis, 78, of Burlington Flats, NY passed away peacefully on Monday October 29, 2018, in the comfort of her home with loving family by her side. Barbara was the first of four children born in Utica, NY on September 29, 1940 to Victoria and Anthony Klimek Sr. Barbara has shared stories of her small jobs that earned her enough money to buy material and craft the beautiful, unique clothing that she wore to school and special events. Barbara was a cheerleader at Utica Free Academy where she first met and dated Ronald S. Curtis and graduated in 1958. Ronald had entered the NAVY and Barbara began her work life officially at AT&T Telephone Company, where which she worked for 10 years. After his completed service to our country, Ronald proposed to Barbara and they were married on September 5th 1959 at Holy Trinity Church , Utica, NY. Barbara later worked for Slocum Dickson Medical Group as a Technician for 10 years. Ronald successfully became employed by Otis Elevator and due to his designated service area they moved to Burlington Flats, NY. At this time, Barbara was a stay at home mother, educator, and role model for their blessings of two adopted children at birth which were then ages 5 and 3. Once her children were attending Edmeston Central School, Barbara adored her favorite hobbies of sewing, vegetable and flower gardening, and refinishing furniture. She graduated from MVCC with her Associates Degree in Nursing and had a rewarding career as the office Nurse for Dr. Dinesh Bhat in Utica. When time permitted, Barbara loved preparing and journeying to their modest camp at North Lake as much as possible. Where which the family enjoyed walks in the woods, swimming, paddling canoe, listening to the call of the Loon, picking wild blueberries, riding hours in the boat, and finishing the day in front of a warm campfire telling stories and making smores. The camp started as a garage and grew with several additions until a paradise of Adirondack beauty was able to be built by a cherished North Lake neighbor that had modern conveniences. Barbara was fascinated by the beautiful and unique Loon and began her large collection of loon items. Every day was an adventure at North Lake and many extended family gatherings were hosted and welcomed! Barbara is survived by her loving husband Ronald, with whom they together shared love, family values, and memory enrichment for 58 years. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Melissa Curtis-Siega, adopted at 6 weeks of age, currently residing in West Winfield. Melissa is blessed to have adopted two of Barbara and Ronald's grandchildren, Ethan Siega, 13 and Myles Siega, 7 who were each adopted as infants as well. Their son, Ronald Swift Curtis Jr. joined the Navy, met and married Quintina Hill, and had two more beautiful grandchildren. Ronald Jr., "Swifty" was embraced by God on November 2, 1997 at the age of 27 while serving in the Navy. We had the wonderful gift of Quintina, Arielle, and Christopher residing very close for 10 years. Arielle, now 25 and Christopher, now 23 currently happily reside in North Dakota with their Mother. Barbara is survived by, Anthony Klimek Jr. and wife Judy of Newport. Their two children, Jennifer married to Michael Yingling and Anthony Klimek III, with 6 great nieces and nephews. Her sister Cynthia and husband Gerald Coon of Camden. Their four children, Dawn married to Paul Fox, Gerald Coon Jr. married to Holly, Kim Coon, and Kelly married to Tim Littler, with nine great nieces and nephews, and one great great niece and one great great nephew. Her sister Darlene and husband Steve Lowe of Sauquoit. Their two children, Steven Lowe Jr. and Ashley married to Brian Coyle, with 2 great nephews. Collectively, Barbara is survived by the above 8 nieces and nephews with addition to their spouses, and is Great Aunt to 17 nieces and nephews, and Great Great Aunt to a niece and a nephew. Barbara has always been welcome and embraced by Ronald's family, who although live a great distance apart, their love is close, warm, and a blessing. Those who wish to celebrate Barbara's Life may attend a Memorial Gathering this Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 2-4pm at the Kowalczyk Funeral Home, 1156 Lincoln Ave. Utica. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Barbara's Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Utica. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity. Above all Barbara loved loving, smiling, and laughing, so we ask in her honor, please do the same as much as possible throughout your life to acquaintances, friends, and family. Light a Candle at: www.kowalczykfuneralhomes.com