Barbara Ryan Bennett, the first of eight children, was born to James and Elizabeth Ryan of Cazenovia, NY on July 2, 1934. After 91 years of an extraordinary life, she died on March 6, 2026, full of peace and love after praying the rosary.

          As a fourth generation Cazenovian, she was very proud of her Irish heritage. She brought compassion, humor, and a sharp wit along with a sparkle or wink in her eye, whether in conversation or written communication.

          She was committed to her community, serving St. James Church as a religion education teacher, Altar Society member, Funeral Reception Committee member, St. James Cemetery Committee member, as well as serving on the Madison County Democratic Committee. She also worked for Madison County elections as a poll worker for many years, and served a term on the Cazenovia Village Board.

          One of Barbara’s most satisfying pleasures was in her professional life as a nurse helping students negotiate life skills at her alma mater, Cazenovia Central School, for 24 years. She also was a great patron of the Cazenovia Library.

          Barbara’s children thank all her friends for all the gifts and cards, and prayers this past year. We are grateful for her caregivers, Carmell, Essie, Ginny, and Tajah from Griswold Care who spent restless nights with her for over a year to help her remain in her own home. We appreciate Jennifer Rohr who gave so much of herself every morning caring for our mother. We especially acknowledge, with love, her faithful brother, Richard (Uncle Dick), who devotedly visited her at least twice a day to brighten everyone’s spirits.

          Barbara is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Stephen) May, Susan (Thomas Devine) Bennett, Amy Bennett (Mark Tugaw) Conley, H. Terrence (Cara) Bennett, Nora (James) Devoy, daughter-in-law Elaine Bennett, and her pet dog, “Annie Also,” her siblings, Betsy McDermott, Margaret Clancy, James (Susan) Ryan, Richard Ryan, and sister-in-law, Margaret Bennett. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren,10 great grandchildren, 15 nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

          Barbara was predeceased by her parents James and Elizabeth Ryan, her husband of 42 years, Floyd Bennett, her son, James Bennett, her granddaughter, Molly Bennett, and her brothers John Ryan, Robert Ryan, and Timothy Ryan.

          If you wish to honor our mother, please consider making a contribution to the Cazenovia Public Library, 100 Albany St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 or St. James Catholic Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia, NY 13035.

          Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in St. James Catholic Church in Cazenovia. Burial will be in the spring at St. James Cemetery, Cazenovia. Condolences for the Bennett family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.