Obituary of Barbara A. Loftus

It is with great sadness that the Loftus family announce the death of their devoted mother, loving grandmother, protective sister, proud aunt and cousin, faithful friend, and earthly angel. Barbara Anne (Coe) Loftus earned her angel wings on March 25^th, 2023.

Born on July 9, 1949 to Eleanor B. (Mathers) Coe and Robert W. Coe in Utica, NY. She attended Utica Public Schools until 1960, when her family moved to Hudson. In 1964, she began attending Ockawamick Central School in Philmont. She excelled in school, was named to the National Honor Society and received numerous awards for leadership, and business and the DAR award. She was involved in many school clubs, played softball, field hockey, basketball, volleyball and was the ‘spark’ in the school’s PEP club. She sold tickets to all the boys varsity ball games; she knew more about baseball, basketball, and football than most players. She loved music and singing and was in the junior and high school choirs. She was selected to the All-County and All State High School Choirs. Prior to her June 1967 Graduation, she was offered a job with the FBI in Washington, DC; but declined it in favor of a job with NYS in Albany where she could assist in the care of her ill mother.

Barbara had a successful NYS career of 33 years, abruptly ending following an injury sustained on the job. She worked for Motor Vehicles, OGS Supply Support, Social Services, Training School for Girls, Division of Youth, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and Parks and Recreation. She was active in both CSEA as a Chapter Secretary and PEF. She was selected to teach the State Mandated Sexual Harassment Training for NYSOASAS across all its facilities statewide. She volunteered as an Employee Assistance Program Coordinator and received a scholarship to the Rutgers Summer School of Alcohol Addiction Studies. She attended Dutchess and Columbia Greene Community Colleges in pursuit of childhood/adolescent development, psychology, and computer studies.

Barbara was married to Raymond J. Loftus on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1980. They resided in Chatham and made a house a home. Barbara’s biggest blessing and joy was the birth, upbringing and unbreakable bond with her son, William. He was the light of her life. She never missed a Chatham C.S. activity, play, concert, track meet, football game, awards program, or fundraising event. She was known for her homemade buffet dinners for the entire football team, donning her son’s jersey ‘69’ instead of an apron.

Family was paramount and family gatherings were special. Barbara enjoyed traveling, cooking, baking, entertaining, home decorating, flowers and sports (especially football and boxing). She was a NY Giants and Florida Gators Fan. She received great joy in giving. She loved to make people smile and was always a ready listener. She found great joy in God’s work: sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, flora, fauna, birds, the ocean and babies! She had great faith. She believed angels are everywhere in all shapes and forms and faith gives us the ability to believe in things unseen.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Raymond J. Loftus, her parents Robert W. Coe and Eleanor B. Coe, her maternal Grandparents, George H. and Anna B. Mathers, her uncle, aunt and cousin, George H. Jr., Loretta (Mannor), and William Mathers; as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Unseen, Barbara watches over those she has left behind; son and daughter-in-law, William R. and Kirstin M. (Meyerson) Loftus of Chatham; Grandsons, Liam R. and Grady G. Loftus of Chatham; sister, Patricia J. (Coe) Murray of Chatham, and many extended family and dear friends.

Barbara’s wish for those touched by her is to be kind, give hugs, say “I love you”, ask for forgiveness, and be grateful.

Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, April 1^st at W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144 from 11:00am–1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider a donation of time, talent or money to Community Hospice, The Wounded Warrior Project, the Autism Assoc, or an animal adoption shelter.