Barbara J. Horner

Star Lake, NY --  Barbara J. Horner, 64, passed away peacefully in her sleep in her home at 33 Valleyview Dr. on Tuesday evening, September 5, 2023, surrounded by her family.

There will be no public calling hours at this time, but a private in-home memorial may be announced later by her family.

Barbara was born on May 15, 1959, in Fort Huachuca, Arizona to the late Lt. Colonel Robert Raines and Charlotte (Becker) Raines.

Barbara and her husband, Robert Horner, Jr. were married on Oct 11, 2003, in the town of Mahopac, NY.   Later, we moved to Star Lake at 33 Valleyview Dr., in September of 2005.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Robert (Rob) Horner -- Star Lake, NY.  Her son, Senior Chief Petty Officer Cory Shawver -- Norfolk, Virginia.  Her siblings are Robert Raines, Gwynne "Gigi" Barnett-Bates, William Raines, and George Raines.  Along with two grandchildren Ayden and Ann Charlotte Shawver.

Barb was one of the sweetest people one could ever hope to know and a great friend.  She was a kind, considerate, caring, generous, spiritual person with a loving heart of gold who brought joy, and often, comic relief to anyone in distress who came across her path.  She always wanted to be helpful.  She often contributed to a variety of charities as well -- especially for impoverished children from different walks of life.  Her care extended into Wildlife Nature too -- as evidenced by an official plaque outside her front door declaring her property a "Certified Wildlife Habitat" following the protocol of the National Wildlife Federation -- also her impressive knowledge of flora and fauna and her delightful gardens.
Barb's personal moniker was the "Blue Butterfly" -- she even had two tattoos displaying it as well.

Barb was clever, creative, and talented.   For example, she was quite the kitchen magician who could cook up something delicious from practically nothing with whatever she found in the fridge or cabinets.  She had the same knack for homemaking turning any bleak living space into a "comfy" dwelling very quickly.  Throughout her life, Barb's employers were often impressed by her ability to transform their workplace operations for the better in imaginative ways.  She was aided by her associate degree -- Executive Secretary/Medical -- from American Commercial College (graduating 1989) she had attained as a 30-year-old, single mother while residing in Texas.  Barb was also a graduate of Cornwall Central High School (Cornwall / NY) Class of '77.

Some of Barbara's Employers included:  West Central Texas Council of Governments (EDWAA / Workforce Solutions programs -- Abilene / TX), Medical Office Operations (a few NY Doctors / e.g., Dr. Richard Diamond - Hematology/Oncology -- Cornwall / NY), Bank Sales Associate/Teller (Hudson United Bank -- HUB -- Mahopac / NY) and Local Gov't Councilwoman (Town of Fine / NY).

Barbara's additional talents and hobbies included photography,  playing several musical instruments, and arts and crafts -- including pottery and soapmaking. 

Finally, Barb was playful.  It was one of her most endearing qualities.  In a recent video (4-8-2023) Barb said, "I want you all to be happy.  To remember to Live . . . to Love . . . to Laugh . . . to Learn.  And do all of these throughout your life.  Don't lose that ' inner child ' . . . PLAY!  And a' make a' yo' Mama’s recipes [Italian accent].   That's all . . . I love you."

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. 500 State Street Carthage, NY 13619. To leave a message of sympathy for Barbara’s family please visit www.lundyfuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.

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