Barbara Elizabeth O’Leary, a lifelong Beacon resident, entered her final rest on September 2, 2024, at the same family home where she was born. She was 87 years young.
Barbara was born on April 9, 1937, in Beacon, the daughter of the late Robert W. and Elizabeth J. Burky Murphy. On October 25, 1958, she married John S. (Jack) O’Leary at St. Joachim Church in Beacon. John predeceased her in 1994.
Barbara is survived by her children, John R. O’Leary and his wife, Debbie of Brewster, MA, Molly O’Leary and her husband, Jim Webster of Beacon, Thomas O’Leary of Beacon, Pat O’Leary and his wife, Chrissie of Newburgh, Michael O’Leary and his wife, Darci of Cary, NC; her daughter-in-law, Susan O’Leary of Beacon; her sisters, Diane Murphy of Beacon, Linda Murphy of Tivoli, Kathleen Zimmer of Queensbury, NY and Maureen McInnis of South Glens Falls, NY; her sister-in-law, Anne Sileno of Poughkeepsie; her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and her extensive list of loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Robert Murphy in 2020.
A lifelong proponent of community service and helping the less fortunate, she volunteered in many organizations and capacities in Beacon. Barbara epitomized the words of Mother Thersea: “Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” She was active and faithful parishioner of St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Church. As a member of the St. Joachim Women’s club, she managed the kitchen among many other roles at the annual women’s club rummage sale. At the parish school, she served on the PTO and assisted with many school activities when her children were students. She was both a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader as well as being responsible for some of the largest cookie sales orders in Beacon’s history. She served on the Beacon Democratic Committee, was the Beacon Historical Society’s Treasurer for many years, volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and was an election poll worker.
With her late husband Jack, Barbara organized and managed many community events in Beacon. Some of these include, the first Spirit of Beacon Day, Beacon’s Diamond Jubilee, the Newburgh Beacon Bridge Run and the Beacon Band on the Run 10K. Barbara continued to lead the Spirit of Beacon Day for many years. She was Jack’s tireless assistant/supporter/worker for numerous social and benevolent events at the Knights of Columbus, such as the community Thanksgiving Day meal, 26 Week Club, Italian Night, St Patrick’s Nights and Octoberfest. At their home, Barbara and Jack hosted their annual “New Years Day Party” welcoming many Beaconites into the new year and was an invite treasured by many.
On her own, Barbara was a care giver and helper to many of all ages. She drove elderly friends to doctors’ visits and errands. She provided childcare services to a plethora of local children, providing assurance to their working parents that their children were lovingly cared for and safe. Weekly, she would buy and donate items to local food pantries. Barbara’s was a voracious reader, who loved mysteries and a certified dissectologist (a puzzle aficionado). She was a special woman who will be missed.
Family and friends will gather on Sunday, September 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim Church, 51 Leonard Street, Beacon. Burial will follow at St. Joachim Cemetery, Beacon.
Donations may be made to the Hudson Valley Hospice, St Joachim’s Church, St Vincent de Paul Society or simply a $5 donation to your favorite charity.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.
