Obituary of Barbara Croteau

Barbara Ann (McKeon) Croteau, 84, of Endwell passed away on January 3, 2020. The loving wife of Leo G. Croteau for 64 years, she is also survived by her three sons and their wives William and Melissa, Thomas and Mary Ann and Kevin and Ann-Marie; her sister Mary LaRose of West Boylston, MA; eight grandchildren Jacqueline, Michelle, Dominique, Dennis, Sean, Ashley, Nicholas and Racquel; two great grandchildren Mackenzie and Benjamin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Worcester, MA, Barbara lived most of her life in the Triple Cities. She worked at the IBM Credit Union, a local dental practice, State Farm Insurance and with other local businesses while raising her three boys. For Barbara, her retirement years were a time of exploring new passions. A photography hobby became "Lady Shutterbug" and her images appeared in magazines, calendars and on the walls of businesses in the greater Binghamton area. Barbara was a member of the Roberson Photo Club where she and Leo developed close friendships. In searching out new subjects to photograph, Barbara and Leo travelled to exciting destinations including Hawaii, Bermuda and Ireland—the latter providing the opportunity to explore her family roots. And every chance they got they took trips to visit their children and grandchildren, turning family time into beach and mountain adventures. While Barbara married into a family of bakers, she held her own in the kitchen and often could be found teaching the smallest members of the family to bake goodies or cook a meal. Barbara will be remembered through her photography, and her wonderful way of telling stories that draw you in and have you begging for the ending. Most of all, her family and friends will remember and miss her loving heart, generosity and devotion to those she loved and who loved her. Among Barbara's activities, she served for a number of years as a hospice volunteer. In lieu of flowers and to honor Barbara's memory, any donations are requested to be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. Funeral Arrangements will be announced when they are finalized.