Barbara G. Perkins, 45, of Lemont Street, died Tuesday, May 06, 2008, at her home following a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
She was born in Herkimer, N.Y., on Nov. 30, 1962, the daughter of Ellison and Ruth Schifferdecker Gokey. She attended local schools and graduated from Herkimer High School in the class of 1980, she furthered her education at the Crane School Of Music in Potsdam, N.Y., graduating in 1984 and then received her Masters Degree in Special Education from the State University of New York at Albany in 1985. She was a social worker in New York and Massachusetts before retiring due to her disablity and moving to Bath, Maine, in 2000.
She married Steven L. Perkins in Herkimer, N.Y., on July 19, 1986.
Barbara was a very gifted vocal musician who sang in choirs, theatrical productions and the opera for many years. She was also an excellent swimmer and taught swimming lessons and life guard certification water safety. She enjoyed hiking, working in her gardens, cooking, antiquing and her pet cats. Barbara faced her disablity head on and always kept a positive attitude and a smile on her face.
She was predeceased by her father as a young girl. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, her mother, Ruth Gokey of Herkimer, N.Y.; a sister, Cheryl Gokey of Herkimer, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Ann H. Perkins, of Bath, Maine; sister-in-law, Kathleen and her husband Sheldon Bird of Bath, Maine; brother-in-law, Richard W. Perkins of Bath; and two nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held in Herkimer at a later date. Burial will be private in Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath, Maine.
Those who wish may make contributions in Barbara’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the David E. Desmond Funeral Home, 638 High St. Bath, Maine.
The Evening Telegram, May 10, 2008