Barbara L. Irwin

Barbara L. Irwin, 89, of Oswego, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

She was the daughter of the late Allen and Alice Lucille Fowler of Oswego. Barbara had attended the Old Stone Schoolhouse District #2 in Hannibal and graduated from Hannibal High School. She attended the State University College at Oswego. She married Carl F. Irwin on February 26, 1955. Barbara’s early married years were spent as a military officer’s wife.

While raising her family, she provided childcare for the children of neighbors and friends. Later, she worked for multiple municipalities including SUNY Oswego, Oswego County Cooperative Extension, Oswego County Health Department and retired as the Oswego Town Clerk.

As a devout Christian, she attended Fulton, Oswego and Lakeland’s Christian and Missionary Alliance churches.

Barbara’s greatest joy was loving her large family. She was thankful for modern technologies that allowed her to always be in close contact with loved ones when they weren’t present. She was the family matriarch and social butterfly. She enjoyed 30 years of retirement in Florida with her doting husband, sharing love, life and fun with her family and friends. Barbara was an avid dog lover, caring for over 30 dogs in her lifetime.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 70 years, Carl F. Irwin Sr., six children: Carl (Glenda) Irwin Jr., Cheryl Irwin, Lynda (Mark) Wilcox, John (Sue) Irwin, Craig (Barbara) Irwin, and Sandra (Joe) Chesare, 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as her dog, Lucy. She is predeceased by her son, Gary and daughter-in-law Barbara (Jaskula) Irwin.

Calling hours are from 12 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 21st at Foster Funeral Home, 837 Cayuga Street, Hannibal, N.Y. followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. A Spring burial commitment will preside at Fairdale Rural Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to the Oswego Animal Shelter 621 East Seneca Street, Oswego, 13126.

Barbara’s family would like to thank the staff of 4N, 4S and the Emergency Department at Crouse Hospital for their excellent and respectful care.