Obituary of Barbara Reagan

Barbara C. Reagan, 94, of Cortland, NY passed away on Monday September 30, 2024. She was born on January 9, 1930, the daughter of the late Gerald and Mildred Bean Caldwell and the devoted wife of 42 years to John I. Reagan. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Barbara and John were high school sweethearts and got married on June 2, 1951. She was the secretary of the class of 1948 at Cortland High School and John was the president of the class. Barbara was a longtime communicant of St. Mary's Church. She took pride in her extensive career as a cashier and accountant with Grand Union. She owned a small business called Baskets and Boughs by Burries, which was her nickname from her husband. Barbara was a member of a long-standing bridge club comprised of some of her dearest friends, which created generational friendships beyond the bridge club. In her free time, Barbara was always active. She enjoyed swimming, walking, bicycling, antiquing and traveling. She was a master gardener, and her gardens were showstoppers. She had a terrific sense of humor and loved a good laugh along with her rye and water. She loved clowns and all things pink, and she had a keen eye for decorating, especially when it involved wallpaper. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and adored her. Barbara is survived by her children James Reagan, Patrick (Rosemarie) Reagan, Michael (Kathleen) Reagan, William (Sue) Reagan, JerriAnn (Edward) Broshears, and Kelley (William) Hess. She is additionally survived by 24 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Not bad for a woman who didn't want children! In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband John I. Reagan, her brother Gerald Caldwell.Jr., her sister Betty (James) Burch, and her daughter-in-law Jeannie Reagan. She was the last of a generation of loving friends and family. Calling hours will be held on Thursday October 3, 2024 from 5-7pm at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday October 4, 2024 at 11am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 46 N. Main St., Cortland, NY. Burial will follow immediately after mass at St. Mary's Cemetery. She will be completing the circle of the prominent Reagan Family plot. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's Parochial School 61 N. Main St. Cortland, NY or a charity of one's choice in Barbara's name. To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com