Barbara (Woodburn) Sturges

Barb was a loving spouse, devoted mother, and caring grandmother, known fondly as “Baba,” who touched and enriched our lives in so many ways. Her family remembers her as kind and supportive, steadfast and determined, a wonderful companion, master organizer, and creative homemaker.

She loved to laugh, read romance novels, watch college basketball, and drink Chardonnay. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, gardening, interior decorating, and home improvement projects.

Barb coordinated multiple moves around western New York, transformed several houses into homes, and brightened each space with her creative vision and generous spirit. She loved to take motorcycle trips, winetasting tours, and family vacations, for which she always planned the itinerary.

Born and raised in Lottsville, PA, middle child of Florence and Carl Woodburn, Barb graduated from Youngsville High School in 1970. Throughout her life, she worked a variety of jobs: Manager of Chautauqua County Highway Employees Federal Credit Union; administrative assistant at Jamestown Lounge Company, a dentist’s office, and a medical practice; bank teller; and most importantly, senior manager of the Sturges household. Her main goals in life were to provide her children with a good education and support her husband throughout his career. Their marriage was a thriving partnership built on a foundation of unconditional love.

Barb will be greatly missed by her devoted husband of 46 years, Richard; daughter, Luann (Marc) Meyer; son, Mark (Rachel) Sturges; grandchildren, Alayna, Jordyn, Toby, and Nate; siblings, Ruth Ann (Harry) Devore, Earl (Evelyn) Woodburn, Fred (Judy) Woodburn, and Patricia (Ed) Pierce; and many more friends and family. Barb’s husband, Dick, was a tireless caregiver who stood by her side with a sense of humor and an unwavering positive attitude during her courageous battle against ALS.

A Memorial Service will be planned for the summer in Lottsville, PA. To share a memory of Barb or send a condolence to the family visit www. crawfordfuneralhome.com. To make a donation to the ALS Association, Upstate New York chapter, visit www.alsaupstateny.org.