Barbara D. Carragher

GENEVA- Barbara Carragher (Dadson), 94, passed away in Geneva New York on February 21, 2026 following a brief illness. Born in Geneva, New York, she was the daughter of Richard Dadson and his wife Loretta.

She attended Geneva High graduating in 1949. After high school she attended Russell Sage College graduating with a degree in Home Economics in 1953 and soon after married the love of her life Jack Carragher. They had 30 wonderful years together before his passing in 1983.

She began her teaching career at Waterloo School District until 1955 when her son William (Bill) was born and the following year they were blessed with their daughter Terry Carragher.

Once the kids were in school she restarted her teaching career at Happiness House when it first opened in the 1960's (with only 3 students). She had a long fulfilling career where she met life long dear friends, Krystyna Estes and her husband Robert, retiring in 2010.

Although losing Jack so early she was not one to sit on the sideline and watch life march on. Her love for travel, especially with her college roommate and friend for over 70 years, Natalie Davenport Bushnell. The two of them traveled the world… Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Panama, South America, Switzerland, Italy, France, the western US, Florida and Alaska.

Although she traveled extensively her favorite place was Seneca Lake, where she grew up and continued to enjoy with her dear friend Dot Newcomb.

Barbara fulfilled most of her bucket list: white water rafting on the Colorado River, Olympic Bobsled run in Lake Placid and getting certified in Scuba diving at 65 years old.

She was an avid Yankee Fan, attending and surviving numerous games at Fenway Park.

Her well known sarcastic sense of humor stayed with her to the end. We would be remiss in not mentioning her love for Glenlivet. She taught us well.

She was the last one standing of the "gang", a group of friends for over 60 years. She was also predeceased by her parents, husband and son, William on January 9, 2023.

She is survived by her daughter Terry and "adopted" daughter Krystyna Estes and her husband Robert who were devoted friends and caregivers. And numerous cousins.

A memorial service for Barb and her son William, will be held in the Spring.

Donations in their memory may be made to the 1st United Methodist Church in Geneva N.Y.

She will be interred in St Patrick's with her husband Jack and take one last vacation to all the bodies of water she had enjoyed, "increasing her likelihood to return as a fish", according to her.



For tributes and condolences, please visit www.mcguiganberofuneralhome.com