Elizabeth (Kohler) Barnes, 90, of Fort Edward died peacefully in her home on March 5, 2020. She was born on July 18, 1929 in Paris, NY, the daughter of Joseph H. Kohler and Elizabeth Roberts Kohler, and was a longtime resident of Utica., NY. She graduated from Chadwicks High School in 1946 and from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in 1950. She worked as an R.N. at St. Elizabeth’s throughout the 1950’s and in various other Utica area hospitals thereafter.
In 1952 she married David A. Barnes of Utica who pre-deceased her in 1972. In 1978 she married James H. Zogby, also of Utica, who pre-deceased her in 1986.
She was also pre-deceased by her brothers, John and Joseph Kohler.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted children: Deborah Bailey of Hudson Falls, William Barnes of New York City and Jeffrey Barnes (and wife Suzanne) of Hopkinton, MA; 5 treasured grandchildren: Kristen Moore (and husband Leonard) and Matthew Bailey (and wife Kerry Kippert) of South Glens Falls NY, David Bailey (and wife Mary) of Granville, NY and Jacqueline Barnes & Elizabeth Barnes of Hopkinton; and 9 cherished great-grandchildren: Zachary & Kayla Moore; Abigail, Emmitt, James, Carter, Morgan, Jackson & Anthony Bailey. In addition, she leaves behind her dear sister Ethel Rivers and beloved nieces Corrine Martin & Phyllis Roberts of Sauquoit, NY, sisters-in-law Carolyn Campion of Utica and Judith Barnes of Groton, MA, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, and her many good friends and “Dominoes Family” at The Oaks in Fort Edward.
Elizabeth was a devout Catholic who attended mass every Sunday until she was physically unable to do so in the last year of her life. She was also a meticulous housekeeper of whose home it was often said, “You could eat off the floor!” She loved dogs, and the breadth of her vast and whimsical collection of dachshund knickknacks was a source of joy to her and everyone who
saw it.
A self-described tomboy in her youth, she was also an accomplished and fiercely committed athlete who avidly took up tennis in her 40’s, golf and downhill skiing in her 50’s, cross country skiing in her 60’s and continued to make exercise a part of her daily life well into her late 80’s.
But undoubtedly what was most important to her was her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, took great pride in all of their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to show them affection and love with kind words and heartfelt hugs.
A funeral mass will be offered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2222 Genesee St. Utica, NY on Thursday, March 12th at 11am. The family will receive funeral attendees at the church immediately following the service. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Elizabeth’s memory to the American Heart Association or the Fort Hudson Foundation of Fort Edward.
Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
