Obituary of Barbara M. Scoville
Barbara M. Scoville, age 92, of Geneseo, died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at the Jewish Home of Rochester. She was predeceased by her son, Paul Scoville, father, Stephen Myers, mother, Carolyn Reynolds, step father, Peter Reynolds, and father of her children, Philip Scoville Jr.
She is survived by her children, Katherine Scoville (John Roberts) of Henrietta, P. Timothy Scoville of Rochester, Elizabeth "Betsy" Curry (Dan Romano) of Avon, Carolyn Lorenzen (Rob) of Leesburg, VA, grandchildren, Jason Curry (Rebekah), Nathaniel Curry (Allyson), Max Lorenzen (Mikaela), John Paul and Katie Lorenzen, great grandchildren, Eliza and Emilia Curry, sister, Ellen Perkins of Geneseo, many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Barb was born in 1930 in Dunkirk, New York, the daughter of Steven and Carolyn Myers. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 1952 and married Philip Scoville, Jr. She became a dedicated member of the Geneseo community. She had five children over 13 years. Barb was active with St. Mary's Church, taught school in Perry and Geneseo, and built successful business ventures with Phil. She was a successful businessperson in her own right, operating an eclectic gift shop, in Geneseo, Lifestyle Designs. In 1972 she was the first women to be elected to the Village Board of Geneseo, and served three terms. In 1985, Barb became a mediator for the New York State Center for Dispute Settlement and was successful at helping families with peaceful resolution of disagreements. Her door was always open to friends and strangers and she always had a hot meal on the table at five o'clock for anyone who was there. She loved time with her family and friends. Barb was very close to a group of friends from church (a/k/a "the Mother's Mafia"), the friends she played bridge with, her sisters-in-law, and whomever she might be putting up in a room!
In 1986, Barb reinvented herself. After the death of her son, Paul, a divorce from Phil, bouts with broken bones, a diagnosis of a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy (spinal muscular atrophy), and breast cancer, all in a short ten-year span. She sold her home along with most of her belongings and moved to Lake Worth, Florida. She quickly found a job with Action Mobility, a small business that supplied handicap equipment. She immersed herself in developing a marketing strategy, untangling insurance obstacles for people in need, and even starred in a few commercials. She involved herself in Barrier Free Design, Commission on the Status of Women, was a literacy volunteer, and volunteered at JFK hospital. She loved entertaining family and friends visiting from the North!
In early 2004, Barb moved back to her beloved Geneseo. After briefly living in an apartment at Morgan Estates, she contracted to build a Condo at Thorn Apple Estates. She oversaw the design and had it built to her specifications allowing her to continue to live independently. As was her way, she quickly involved herself in many volunteer opportunities including St. Mary's Neighborhood Ministry, as a board member of her homeowner’s association; on the Board of directors of AGO her Alpha Kappa Phi Sorority at SUNY GENESEO and as a devoted Livingston County Democrat.
On her 85th birthday she broke her knee, with irreparable damage, and in combination with her MD, could no longer live alone. She moved to the Jewish Home of Rochester. She continued to stay active in mind and spirit, playing bridge, taking advantage of the art studio, and using her computer skills to do thorough family history research. Her artwork won acclaim and was temporarily displayed at the New York State capital before being gifted to her granddaughter. She made the gardens and solarium at the nursing home her special project and worked to beautify them with flowers and plants.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 4-7 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main Street in Geneseo. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 11 AM at St. Mary's Church, 4 Avon Rd. in Geneseo with Father William Laird officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Geneseo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Livingston County, 34 E. State St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510 or the Geneseo Ambulance Fund, PO Box 428, Geneseo, NY 14454.