Barbara J. Sykes

Boonville- Barbara J. (Hines) Sykes, 85, of Aubrey Avenue, passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica, after a brief illness. Barbara was born in Boonville, on November 23, 1935, a daughter of Sperry and Evelyn Fey Hines. She grew up in Boonville and graduated from Boonville Central School, with the Class of 1953. On September 19, 1953, Barbara was united in marriage with Horatio L. "Sam" Sykes, at the First Baptist Church of Boonville. Afterwards the couple resided in the Town of Steuben for a total of 56 years. Mr. Sykes passed away on April 8, 1991 and Barbara relocated to Boonville in 2010. Mrs. Sykes was first employed as a nurse's aide at Marcy Psychiatric Center, followed by employment at Genesee Nursing Home, Utica. Later she received her certification as a nurse assistant and was employed in that capacity from 1991 until 2003, at Stone Hedge Nursing Home, Rome. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Boonville. Barbara greatly enjoyed knitting and raising vegetables and canning the same. She enjoyed a lifelong interest in genealogy. Barbara is survived by her children; Ida Catherine Simard, Barneveld, Horatio "Skip" Bryan (Eloise) Sykes, Holland Patent, Sperry Jesse "Stub" (Nancy) Sykes, Westernville, Abbie M. Gorczynski, Utica, Myrtle Sarah Bidwell, Wappingers Falls, NY, Catherine Ida (Jan) Beighey, Whitesboro, John Sherman (Jodie) Sykes, Floyd, Bryan Horatio (Joani) Sykes, Boonville, Sherman John Sykes, Stittville and Barbara Marie Sykes, Rome; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a sister, Joyce Schuetz, Florida and nieces and nephews. A private Memorial Service will be Friday at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with interment to follow in West Leyden Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309.