Helen June Kwasniak Barnard, 90, peacefully passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia, NY. Mrs. Barnard, daughter of the late Stanley and Mildred Kwasniak, was born on June 28, 1933, in Buffalo and spent her childhood in Corfu, NY.
Helen married the late Richard (Barney) Barnard Sr. in 1955, originally settling in Batavia before moving to Byron. They raised their family in the house that Barney’s father built on Mill Pond Rd. Later in life moving across the pond to retire in their mobile home on Swamp Road.
After staying home to raise the kids, Helen worked at General Railway Signal for 23 years, retiring in 1995. The family has fond memories of family camping trips, her bowling trips with husband or sisters, and enjoying time with family and friends. During retirement Helen enjoyed vacations to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Barney and friends and annual road trips to Tennessee. She loved the beach and reading books. As the family’s strong matriarch, she hosted the yearly Christmas Eve gatherings for her adult children, and grandchildren. Helen also enjoyed puzzles and playing dominoes with her grandchildren. Helen was very passionate about her pets; cat or dog it didn’t matter, they were loved.
Survivors include her children: Vicki (late Gene) Austin of Batavia, Michelle (Peter) Yasses of Byron, Richard Barnard Jr. (Pam Pera) of Caledonia, and Mary (Joe) Hawken of Brentwood, TN and her sister Florence (late Vincent) Ferrando of Gates. Helen is also survived by ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her siblings, Stanley Kwasniak, Andrew Kwasniak, Francis Kwasniak, and Dorothy Koziej.
Helen’s family again wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff at the New York State Veterans Home for the compassionate care both Helen and Barney received while they were residents.
Friends may call on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 10 am to 12 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will follow immediately at 12 pm. She will be laid to rest in Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to the activities fund at the New York State Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.
