Barbara L. Outterson

Barbara Aldrich Longstaff Outterson Born February 19, 1929 in Herkimer, NY. Died November 28, 2019 in Rochester, NY. She was 90 years old. Barbara grew up in Herkimer, NY, daughter of Lillian and Henry Longstaff. She attended Herkimer High School and received an BSN degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. It was during those years in Rochester that she fell in love with Hugh Outterson, a student at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. They married in 1952 and settled in Barre Center, NY, where Barbara worked as a visiting nurse while Hugh was church pastor. Next, they lived in Venezuela for three years, and from there they lived in Indianapolis, IN and briefly in Princeton, NJ before moving back to Greece, NY in 1969. In early years, Barbara focused on raising their six children, cultivating musical talents, exposing them to people from other backgrounds including hosting international students through the Rochester International Friendship Council, now called Rochester Global Connections. In 1983, Barbara received her Master of Science degree in Nursing, later to complete certifications in counseling and in marriage and family therapy. Her professional employment included working in the psychiatric wing at Strong Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center and DePaul Mental Health Clinic. Family life centered around activities at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Greece, where Hugh was Associate Pastor. Family adventures included camping in the Adirondack woods, winter ski trips, a yearly week at Chautauqua Institution, and trips to visit children in various states and countries. Barbara served in several positions in the Presbyterian Church including Elder, and leader in the Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network. In later years, she was a faithful member of Calvary St. Andrews and Third Presbyterian Churches in Rochester. She and Hugh participated in multiple mission trips devoted to social justice causes. Music was also a theme in Barbara’s life. She played sousaphone in her high school marching band, sang in various choirs over the years, played autoharp and recorder, and easily accompanied groups on piano whenever called upon. She researched family genealogy, enjoyed daily crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, speaking Spanish and playing hymns at home. An avid reader, she was engaged in current events as well as history, literature and medical science. Throughout her life, she cared deeply for family and nurtured relationships with relatives and dear friends. She was generous with her time and known as a trusted, nurturing good listener who gave wise counsel. She loved unconditionally. Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Reverend Hugh Outterson, sons Douglas and David Outterson, grandson Cole Seward, and sister Jeanne Guller (George). She is survived by her children Donald Outterson (Linda), Anne Pepe, Beth Outterson (James Maddry) and Jean Seward (Luke), daughter-in-law Linda Outterson, her nieces Nancy Novak-Thurnherr (Ralph), Marcia Collier and Linda Girvin, and grandchildren Sara Outterson, Eric Outterson, Rachel Outterson (Jay Saleh), Renae Cooney (Christian), Amy Pepe, Jackie Seward, Noelle Seward, Mitchell Seward, great grandchildren Charlie and Cora Saleh. The memorial service will be held Friday, December 13th at 2:00 pm at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester (4 Meigs St, Rochester NY, 14607). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rochester Global Connections or Third Presbyterian Church. For more information and to sign her online guestbook visit www.meesonfamily.com To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Barbara Outterson, please visit our Tribute Store.