Barbara Merrill Morrow

Cornwall, NY

Barbara Merrill Morrow of Cornwall, NY, widow of Albert Sidney Morrow, Jr., died peacefully on August 25, 2008 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus, following a short illness. She was 94.

Daughter of George Henry Merrill and Louise Alberta Wandel, she was born July 20, 1914 in Brooklyn, NY.

Barbara's father and uncle started Merrill Bros. Drop-Forge Company in Maspeth, Queens that made clamps and other objects for industry. Her family were longtime summer residents of Mountainville. Introduced to her future husband, also a summer resident, by a mutual friend, they soon moved to Cornwall to raise a family.

She is survived by her beloved sons, Christopher Wandel Morrow and wife, Wendy of Newtown, CT and Ian Hasbrouck Morrow and wife, Patricia O'Reilly of Cornwall; grandchildren, Cliona, Cian and Liam Morrow of Cornwall, and eight nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, William and George, and sister, Gifford Menard.

Barbara graduated from Packer Collegiate Institute and worked many years as a secretary.

Among her hobbies, Barbara enjoyed crewel embroidery, beading, reading and crossword puzzles, the last two up till her final illness. An avid gardener, she turned over the care of her gardens to son Ian and then to her dear friend Nancy Farren when she no longer could garden.

Barbara traveled with Ian many times to Britain and Ireland, where she especially enjoyed touring gardens large and small, and made two good friends, Marjorie Dean and Helen Billham.

Her greatest loves were family and friends. Meri Maisonet and Joan Hulse were friends of many years. She enjoyed visits from neighbor Millie Riley. Heartfelt thanks to Barbara's special friend, Lillian Ferreri, caregivers, Gia Lopez, Ari Calderon and niece, Shelagh Merrill for all the loving, compassionate care they gave her.

She was a loving mother and grandmother whose grandchildren brightened her later years and fed her thirst for life.

She was known for her strong opinions and feisty spirit and her death leaves a hole in the lives of those who love her.

Funeral service were held Saturday, August 30, 2008 at St. John's Episcopal Church. Reverend Thomas Margrave officiated. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor followed.

In lieu of flowers, consider contributions in Barbara's name to the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, PO Box 337, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520.

Arrangements were under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Avenue A, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520. To send condolences, please visit, www.lulvesfuneralhome.com.