Pittsford and Livonia: At age 89, Barbara passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She was born in Rochester, to the late Leon and Elizabeth VanDerMeid.
Barbara graduated from Livonia Central School and continued her education at Buffalo State, graduating with a BS in Home Economics. She joined the education profession, teaching in the RCSD at Ben Franklin High School and School 24. Barbara is predeceased by her daughter Betsy Jo Borkhuis and her brother David VanDerMeid. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years; Barry J Blum, her children; Robert Leon Blum, Brenda Jae Brodsky, her brother; Richard (Sara) VanDerMeid, her son-in-law; Carl Borkhuis, her 5 grandchildren; Reed Brodsky, Graham Brodsky, Caitlyn Blum, Chloe Blum and Caroline Grace Blum. She was known to her grandchildren as “Bobbi”.
While Barbara was raised in Livonia, she lived most of her life with her husband and three children in Pittsford, NY where she raised her family and developed many lifelong friends. She was known to be a sweet, loving person who was always kind to everyone. She had a passion for reading often consuming several books a week.
Together with her husband she traveled to England, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Latvia and Russia. Completing her trip with a cruise on the Rhine River passing through Hungary, Germany, France and Holland. On a later cruise, they visited Alaska and Canada.
Barbara enjoyed her later life at her home on Conesus Lake where she often entertained family and friends. Her beautiful snow-white hair and green eyes will always be present in our hearts and memory.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions no formal funeral services will be held at this time. Interment will take place privately at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY.
To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family. I will never forget how welcoming Barb was to me. She was a joy each time we went to the lake to visit. I will miss her.
Brenda and family, our prayers go out to you. I have fond memories of visiting your mom and dad on Conesus Lake. God Bless you all. Pam, Chuck, Calvin & Alex Spiteri
I remember Barbara from where I used to work. She was always so pleasant and so friendly to me….always asking how I was, and how my day was going. I am saddened by this news, and I am certain she will be missed by so many family and friends.