Barbara Jean Wardle

Barbara Jean Wardle of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on May 24, 2023 from complications of Alzheimer disease. Barb was born in Ilion, New York, on June 13, 1947, the daughter of Ernest Wardle and Betty Mosher Wardle Murray. She graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a major in Chemistry and a certificate in education in 1969, Barb soon discovered that education was the path she would pursue for 33 years, beginning her career in the Little Falls school district, then teaching five years in the American School in Milan, Italy before returning to Canajoharie in 1977 for 25 years as a science teacher then middle school principal for the last eight years of her career. Barb was a dedicated educator and was so proud of the success of the middle school. More than anything else she loved her students. Barb enjoyed cooking, music (listening to her CDs on her Bose system), golf, the beach and camping. She was a good friend and would do anything to help anyone. Her favorite hobby was her wine making which became a favorite of family and friends as they awaited each year's vintage. Upon retirement she spent her winters in Florida until she moved there permanently in 2017. Barb is survived by her brothers, Ray (Joanne) and Bill (Marie), a half-brother, Jim Murray (Cathy), thirteen nephews and nieces, many great nephews and nieces and a special friend, Mary Ann Paluzzi. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Kay Weiss. A burial service will be held at a future date in Ilion, New York. Donations can be made in memory of Barbara to the Alzheimer's Association.