Barbara Irene Walker, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday (November 15, 2025).
Barbara was born on July 4, 1931 in Syracuse to William R. and Irene M. (Bateman) Watt. She was a 1949 graduate of Syracuse Central High School and in 1950 graduated from Central City Business Institute, also in Syracuse. On February 27, 1954 Barb married William J. Walker and became a Navy wife, living between Syracuse and San Diego for the next few years. In 1969, they moved their family to Andover where Barb was content living for 56 years. She loved living in a small town and she found Andover to be a caring community. She considered it a wonderful home for someone born on the Fourth of July.
From 1970-1980, Barbara served as the Andover Deputy Village Clerk, followed by her terms as the Andover Clerk-Treasurer from 1980-2000.
Barb is survived by three sons, Stephen (Susan) Walker and James Walker, both of Andover and William (Margaret Carney) Walker Jr. of Kingston; a sister-in-law, Jeannine Watt of Lugoff, S.C.; 6 grandchildren, Andrew (Justinn) Walker of Brattleboro, Vt., Jeanne (Albert) Todd of Andover, Margaret (Eric) Miller and Stephen (Abigail Grice) Walker, both of Corning, Donald (Mercy) Walker and William (Bryn) Walker, both of Boston, Mass.; 11 great grandchildren, Sylvia Walker, AJ Walker, Mason Walker, Phylix Walker, David Walker, Margaret Todd, Elizabeth Todd, Malia Todd, Madeleine Miller, Declan Miller and Maxwell Miller; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Barbara was predeceased by William J. Walker, an infant granddaughter, Barbara Walker, and a brother, Donald Watt.
Music was an important part of Barbara’s life. She began singing duets in church with her mother at age eight and spent most of her life singing in church choirs. As a young girl, she and her life-long friend, Jeanne Tillman sang together and gained local fame. She also sang for many years with the Genesee Valley Chorus and the Andover Ecumenical Choir. In the early 1950’s, when female bagpipers were rare, Barbara was a Pipe Major of the Glengarry Girls Pipe Band in Syracuse. Playing the bagpipes was a life-long pursuit, even as she marched and played in the Andover 4th of July parade until she was 77 years old.
Community involvement was a lifestyle for her as she served as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Andover Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Andover Historical Society, the Library Discussion Group and the Andover Red Hat Society. For many years, Barbara spent her summer nights watering the container gardens on Andover’s Main Street—filling, hauling, and emptying 24 one-gallon jugs every night all summer long. She was a member of the Andover Presbyterian Church, serving through the years as a an Elder, Sunday School teacher, Treasurer, and, not surprisingly, a member of the choir.
Among Barb’s favorite pastimes were knitting, reading, researching genealogy, camping, and gardening. She truly delighted in all the opportunities to be with her grandchildren, playing with any and all of them whenever possible. Barbara’s cherished blessing was having so much of her family living so close to her in Andover; she also treasured that her family were so frequently gathered together camping, as well as celebrating every birthday and all the holiday seasons.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday (November 18) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Barbara’s home at 25 East Greenwood Street in Andover. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Andover with the Rev. Christian Mattison officiating and bagpiping presented by Alexander MacCrea. Burial is planned for a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover; online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 or Andover Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
