Obituary of Barbara J Salling

Barbara Joan Salling of New York, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 1, 2021. She was the beloved oldest child of Merle Salling of East Hampton, Connecticut. She is predeceased by her father, Paul O. Salling. Barbara leaves behind many wonderful friends as well as her brothers Todd and Paul Salling and (his partner) Donna Wollum, sisters Claire Salling, Donna Chalmers, Karen Dansereau and (her husband) Richard Dansereau, beloved nieces Danielle Botwick, Kristen Dansereau, Rebecca Chalmers and Katie Dansereau, all of Connecticut and beloved nephew, Paul Botwick of Florida. Additionally, her Aunt, Gail Kuzmak, Uncles, David Kuzmak, Bruce Shepard, and many cousins. Barbara was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the oldest of six children. She was a smart, kind and fiercely independent person who had the love and respect of all who knew her. She attended Adelphi University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She spent her professional career working, in various roles, as an advocate for those who were in need. She was an avid learner and was a Literacy Volunteer as well as a volunteer for Big Sisters. Despite the distance between her life in New York and the family home in Connecticut, and her own health concerns, she remained a dedicated daughter and always made the time to journey home for many holidays, happy events and family emergencies. Her presence as a guiding force will be greatly missed. She loved everything Christmas including snow, baking sweets for her yearly gift to family and friends, crossword puzzles, movies and theater, gardening, spending time with people. She would meet with her friends virtually for Wednesday Night Trivial Pursuit, she hosted parties twice a year for close friends, but her legendary Christmas dinner at 10pm for her City friends putting them on the midnight train back to the City. She loved going out to eat with long time friends and keeping in touch by cards, phone calls and email. She was a big fan of Downton Abby and recently went to the Downton Abby Exhibit and separately the Vincent Van Gogh Exhibit. Living in NY most of her life she had experienced much of the culture and entertainment that the NYC holds. Her relationship with each of us was unique and treasured; she will be deeply missed. Calling hours for her Celebration of Life will be held at Towers Funeral Home, 2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY on October 7th, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. A deacon will preside at 7:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to share stories or sentiments of Barbara. A livestream of her celebration will be offered via Zoom, the link will be on the website:https://towersfuneralhomeny.com. Meeting ID: 764 3050 5078 Passcode: ECer5g Telephone: 1-516-766-0425 In Lieu of flowers please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society, International Myeloma Foundation, or the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital to honor Barbara’s memory. International Multiple Myeloma Foundation: https://www.myeloma.org American Cancer Society - Making Strides for Breast Cancer Awareness https://donate3.cancer.org St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org