Obituary of Jane Karen Barnes

Jane Karen Barnes (Gosney), 62, of Rotterdam, NY, peacefully entered into eternal life at home, surrounded by her loving husband and children on Monday, April 18th, 2022. Karen will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, her unending kindness, sharp wit, and contagious smile. Karen was born on February 8, 1960, to Jayne and John Gosney of Binghamton, NY; the fifth of seven children in a large, proud Irish Catholic family. She grew up on the Southside of Binghamton, attending St. John's then Seton Catholic Central High School. She later earned a degree from Alfred State. Karen married the love of her life, Joseph Barnes, in April 1981. In 1988 they moved to Rotterdam, NY where they raised their four children. Karen worked as a floral designer, a stay-at-home mom, and ultimately at Bradt Elementary School, where she found a calling in Special Education. She was a staple in the Rotterdam community through volunteering with Mohonasen Sports Boosters, as a devoted parishioner at St. Gabriel's, and cheering her kids on at all their events. Despite a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December 2020, she never faltered in her conviction to "Live Your Dash"- making each day count. In October 2021, Karen and Joe moved to South Carolina, spending warm days on the beach, and traveling home for holidays and special events. Karen is survived by her husband Joe of 41 years, her children Kristen (Scott) Clough, Kelley (Vito) Urbano, Patrick (Kimberly) Barnes, and Erin (Matthew Reiss) Barnes, her six beloved grandchildren - Aaron and Avery Clough, Luca, Rocco and Lorenzo Urbano, and "baby boy" Barnes due this May - and her ever loyal, 4-legged sidekick Sydney. She is predeceased by her father John Gosney and brother James Gosney. She is survived by her mother Jayne Gosney, siblings Kevin (Mary) Gosney, Joanne Taylor, Jerry (Sharon) Gosney, Joe (Martha) Gosney, and Jackie (Chet) Kupiec, sisters-in-law Mary Barnes, Teresa Barnes, and Anne (Joe Hoffman) Barnes, and extended family. She was proud "Aunt Karen" to 23 nieces and nephews, and 21 great-nieces and great-nephews. Karen's family would like to extend their gratitude to New York Oncology-Hematology, Coastal Cancer Center and Crescent Hospice in South Carolina. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton, Thursday May 5th 2022 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Thursday May 5th from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. A Memorial Mass in Karen's honor will also be offered at St Gabriel's Parish in Rotterdam, NY on May 6 at 11 a.m. The family will then receive friends and loved ones at a celebration of Karen's life, between 1-5 p.m. at the Terrace at Waters Edge in Schenectady, NY. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Karen's honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to a team running the NYC marathon this year in her honor with Project Purple at https://donate.projectpurple.org/Live-Your-Dash.