Barbara Blackwood

Barbara Blackwood was born to Dorothy Pray and Raymond Blackwood. She had 6 siblings – Dorothea, Karen, James, Florence, William, and Edward. She is lovingly remembered by her surviving siblings - sister Dorothea, brother Bill and wife Marilyn, brother Jim and wife Colleen, and brother Eddie and wife Margaret - and her many nieces and nephews including God-daughter Kim, her grand nieces and grand nephews, and close friends.

Barbara was extremely honest, generous, and sentimental - she had a soft heart made of gold. She was sensitive and loved deeply. Always grateful for even the smallest kindnesses, she appreciated each visit, phone call, and every card she received for birthdays and holidays. She faced life’s curves with strength and when asked “how are you” – her response would be “Perfect” and she meant it. She took joy in the simple things in life – sunshine, the ocean, and the beauty of nature – and until very late in life she remained active and independent, visiting the Grand Canyon and taking rides on the Circle Line. For many years, she lived in Provincetown, Massachusetts where she enjoyed friendships and the Atlantic Ocean. When back in New York City, she loved visiting museums and going to concerts at Carnegie Hall and Central Park, theatre, and other events. For many years, she would be in the front row for New York’s “Broadway on Broadway”. Later in life, she loved her home – always filled with plants and flowers - and enjoyed watching her soap operas, Law & Order, and Blue Bloods ... especially Tom Selleck and family dinner gathering scenes. She was an avid fan of the Yankees, especially Derek Jeter, and we are sure she is cheering them on from Heaven. But most important was her contact with family and friends – she looked forward to their calls and visits, catching up with them, and helping them in any possible way.

For many years, she worked as a proud housekeeper for the Hilton Hotel where she was commended by many visitors.

Immediately upon retiring, Barbara promised to keep company with a family friend who suffered a stroke and was in a nursing home. Barbara kept that promise -- an immense act of kindness for which the family is eternally grateful - until her friend's death almost 10 year later.

Barbara is remembered with love and gratitude and will be missed deeply.

The family wishes to thank all who helped Barbara especially in her later years, most notably her very close friends and neighbors Rosa and family, her aides Juliet and Lonnie, and her shopper Maria.