Barbara Jeanne Harvey

Barbara Jean Harvey, 88, of Big Flats, NY passed away peacefully holding her husband John's hand on Sunday, May 28, 2023. A variety of medical issues and falls over the past few months made her progressively weaker, and unable to rally, which was unlike her normal, spirited self. She was born on October 10, 1934 in West Bend, WI, the daughter of the late Everett and Margaret Dewey. On August 15, 1959, she married John T. Harvey in West Bend.
Barbara graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a BA in Music Education. Her love and passion for playing and teaching piano led to a wonderful lifetime career. It isn't often enough that passion and careers align, and she was one of the fortunate ones. After teaching music in the school systems in her native WI, she began giving private piano lessons in her home. She helped to foster a lifetime love of music for her daughter and countless students for nearly 50 years. The bonds that she formed with her students have also led to lifetime friendships – she loved when former students would visit her during their college breaks, or coming back to the area years after moving away. Her legacy will live on.
Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who thoroughly enjoyed traveling, and was fortunate to have 25 years of healthy retirement to travel with John, her family, and friends. She and John have been active members of the First United Methodist Church of Horseheads, NY for nearly 55 years. In the early years, she directed and led the children's Cherub Choir, and sewed their angelic uniforms. Accompanying various small vocal groups at church on an ad hoc basis also brought her immense pleasure, including for her beloved quartet. She also enjoyed the social, swim and golf benefits as a long-term member of the Corning Country Club. Her extroverted personality made it natural for her to meet and keep forever friends. It is due to these friendships that she and John never moved away after retirement. She served as a surrogate mother to many of her daughter's friends, who lost their own mothers far too early.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 years, John, daughter Nancy Worrell (Eric) of Pleasant Hill, CA, son Craig Harvey (Dana) of Pine Bush, NY, two special grandchildren, Colin Harvey of Pine Bush and Carla Worrell of Pleasant Hill, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister and best friend, Joanne Payne.
Family and friends are invited to the First United Methodist Church of Horseheads, 1034 W. Broad St., Horseheads, NY 14845 on Friday, July 7. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00, followed by lunch.
Memorial Donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Horseheads in lieu of flowers (at the above address) or via online giving at www.hhdsumc.org.