Barbara J. Soper

Barbara Jenkins Soper, 95, aka Barb, (formerly of Sailly Avenue) passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at Meadowbrook Health Care Center in Plattsburgh. She was born to Floyd and Bessie Jenkins in Lyon Mountain, NY on October 4, 1928. A true trailblazer, Barb graduated from high school at age 16 and attended Plattsburgh State University as a U.S. Nurse Corp Cadet. Barb started her career as an OB Nurse at CVPH, married C.J. Soper in 1949 then took time off to raise her children. In 1966 Barb joined the staff of SUNY Plattsburgh Student Health Center. In 1980, at age 50, Barb went to Brigham Young University in Utah to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She retired from the Health Center in 1994. Barb, with her rapier wit, completed the NY Times Sunday Crossword (in ink!) and enjoyed text conversations with her family until her final days (complete with emojis and abbreviations!!). Her happiest times were spent with her family at her poolside, traveling to Giants games, winters in Cocoa Beach, watching Yankee games and Cowboy movies, and her motto was “I pour at 4.” Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband, CJ; her granddaughter Elise Nicole Hassfurter; her best friend Ruth Swinyer; her parents and 5 siblings. She is survived by her son, C. Joseph Soper (Cathy) of Vero Beach FL, daughters Carole Soper Garcia (Joseph) of Plattsburgh and Mary Ellen Hassfurter (George) of Weddington NC; grandchildren Erin Soper and partner Charles Lipke, Brooke Ginty (Brendan), Adam Garcia (Casey), Cary John Garcia (Tiffany), Ross Garcia (Neale) and Katherine Lawless (Daniel); great-grandchildren Mackenzie Lawfer, Connor and Ryan Lavigne, Maxwell and Reed Ginty, Addison and Izabel Garcia, Joey Marie Garcia, Marlowe Garcia and Grace Nicole Lawless; former daughter-in-law Karen Preston Soper and many beloved nieces and nephews. Barb’s family wants to thank Kathy Glenn Roberts and the staff of The Orchards and Chestnut Grove units of Meadowbrook for their kindness and care. Per Barbara’s wishes, services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com