Barbara Thirtle

Gates, NY; Barbara G. Thirtle (nee Barnes) 78 of Gates, NY died Tuesday at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Born February 17, 1929, in Tienjin, China, of British parents, she was the daughter of Owen and Gladys(Davey)Barnes. Barbara was educated in parochial schools in China and was interned in a Japanese concentration camp for three years during World War II. She met and became engaged to Stepehn Thirtle, an RAF Officer, on a steamship when returning to England following the war. They married in England soon after. She first emigrated to Montreal, Canada, eventually to the United States, living in Buffalo, NY, Huntington and Monroe, Conn, Shickshinny, PA and she recently had relocated to the Seabury Woods Senior Living Community in Gates, NY. Barbara was active in the Episcopal Church and held the position of Altar Guild Directress at St. Peter’s in Eggertsville, NY. She and her husband, Stephen enjoyed singing in a choral group in Monroe, Conn. They enjoyed making over the many homes they owned throughout the years. Barbara and Steve truly enjoyed their retirement years at their Rolling Hills Farm in Shickshinny, PA. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Steve, of 55 years in 2002. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Ann Teti of Tonawanda, NY, Susan Elizabeth Dunleavy of Gouldsboro, ME, Sylvia Marie Ludden of Pittsford, NY and Wendy Kathryn Swanson of Palo Alto, CA; and nine grandchildren. There will be no visitation. A private memorial service at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Sugarloaf Township, PA will be planned at the convenience of the family.