Barbara Beardsley Evans, 95, passed away on Sept. 15, 2021. Born on June 23, 1926, she grew up in Batavia, N.Y., graduating from Batavia High School in 1944. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Mount Holyoke College in 1948 and her master’s degree in student personnel administration in 1951 from Cornell University.
As a resident of Skaneateles for 66 years and Finger Lakes Center for the Living for the past five years, she served the Skaneateles community in many varied activities. She was the second president and one of the organizers of the Skaneateles Nursery School. She served as president of the Skaneateles Elementary Parent Teacher Club, co-chairman of the school bond issue drive for the building of the Belle Waterman School and the Middle School, served five years on the Skaneateles Board of Education, and was a girl scout leader for nine years.
A very avid reader, Barbara was a long-time member of both the Monday Evening and Wednesday Book Clubs. She was also a member of the Sarah Circle at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. She and her husband Stuart “Stu” were long time members of the Skaneateles Country Club.
Barbara loved to visit with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed lunches with her friends and spending afternoons at the country club in the summer.
Barbara is survived by her three children, Linda (Ken) Bihl, Peter (Pamela) Evans, and James (Linda) Evans. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, W. Stuart Evans. She also is survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be Saturday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles, with a celebration of life service immediately following at 10 a.m. A private family burial will follow the service.
Contributions may be made to the Skaneateles Historical Society or the Skaneateles Library Association.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
