Obituary of Barbara A. Gilcher

CANASTOTA . . . Barbara A. Gilcher, 74, of 114 Mill Street, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 26, 2021, at Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare, Utica, following a brief illness. She was born on September 8, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth (Marsh) Gilcher. Barbara spent her early years in Colorado, living in Syracuse for many years and graduating from North High School in 1964. She later graduated from Bryant & Stratton Business School in Syracuse, and has lived in Canastota since 1995. She worked as a seamstress for many years, working at Champagne Bridal in Dewitt, Pepi's Bridal in Oneida, and at JoAnn Fabrics in Oneida and Syracuse. She also made custom bridal gowns. Barbara was a member of the Thread Bears Quilters' Guild and Canal Town Quilters. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. Barbara loved her dog, Roxie, with whom she spent many hours "sharing" her chair with. Surviving are: the love of her life who she spent 38 wonderful years with, Jerome F. "Jerry" Brock, Sr.; one son, Jerome F. Brock, Jr. and Sarah Nickal of Chittenango; two daughters, Tamara and Jason Peterson of Melba, ID, and Miranda and Sherman Inman of Newfield, NY; one "adopted daughter" Crystal Keville and her fiancé, Shaun Murdent, of Oneida; one brother, Peter Gilcher of New Haven, NY; eleven grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara was predeceased by three grandchildren. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Face coverings and social distancing are required. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date and time to be announced. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. In her memory, contributions may be made to the Thread Bears Quilters' Guild, c/o Beth Taylor, 3536 Foster Corners Road, Durhamville, NY 13054, with envelopes available at the funeral home.