Barbara Anne Steyert

Barbara Anne Steyert of Plattsburgh, New York, passed away on December 16th 2024 at the age of eighty years old. Barbara was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1944 to William and Agnes (Nelson) Steyert. Before she was even one year old, her father was killed in WWII and she was raised by her mother and Swedish immigrant grandparents. After graduating high school, Barbara attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School and worked at several places in New York City including Seventeen Magazine. She married Joseph Galante in 1965 and had two children, Chrisa Marie and Peter William. Barbara and Joseph divorced in 1974. Barbara moved to Athens, New York where she raised her children as a single mother and worked for the Greene County Department of Social Services until her retirement. She also earned an Associates Degree in Human Services from Columbia Greene Community College and a Bachelors’s Degree in Human Services from Southern College of Vermont. Once retired, Barbara travelled, which included many visits to the Adirondacks to visit her grandchildren and a cruise to Alaska. She also cared for her mother Agnes until her death in 2007. She then moved to Plattsburgh, NY where her daughter and her family lived. While in Plattsburgh, Barbara volunteered at places like Catholic Charities, Rescued Treasures, and the Clinton Community College Institutional Advancement Office. Through all of these personal accomplishments, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren as well as keeping up with their busy lives through email and Facebook. Here are some words of remembrance from Barbara’s grandchildren: Casey O’Connell: I enjoyed scenic drives through the Adirondacks and visiting with Grammy often at our favorite lunch spots. She always had unique, but impactful words of wisdom for me. Her love and support were unconditional. Madelyn (O’Connell) Underwood: My Grandmother Barbara (Grammy) was an important person in my life since I was born. I have countless fond memories of visiting her in Athens when I was little and lunch dates with her when I was older. She was always there for important events in my life and was proud of her grandchildren’s accomplishments, both big and small. She will be deeply missed by her family and the memories we have of her will be cherished forever. Sofia Galante: I loved every moment I spent with Grammy. I especially loved when we would do our puzzles together and play board games. She was always so excited to see us and spend time with us even if we were just lounging around. Nico Galante: Grammy always had special snacks for me whenever we visited. When she would come to our house, she would hold an empty paper towel roll to gently keep Nala, our dog, from jumping on her. We also shared blue eyes. I loved her very much. Barbara is survived by her children, Chrisa (John) O’Connell and Peter (Valerie) Galante, and her grandchildren Casey O’Connell, Madelyn (Ian) Underwood, Sofia Galante and Nico Galante. Per Barbara's wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a later date.