Obituary of Barbara C. Heath

RENSSELAERVILLE - Barbara C. Heath, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, October 3, 2016. She was born in New York, NY to the late Avery and Dorothea Claflin. Barbara attended the NY Academy of Dramatic Arts and appeared in two films. She had a career as a photographer for the New York Daily News which ended when she married Randy Heath and raised their five daughters. Barbara's interests were many. She was a voracious reader, tennis player, and world traveler. Her devotion to nature and love for animals was boundless. There was always an array of stray cats and dogs crossing the threshold of her home. Barbara also took great pride in her flower gardens, spending many hours beautifying them and sharing them with others on the garden tours. Barbara was a devout Catholic whose strong faith guided her through the many adversities she faced in life. She was a tireless volunteer to several organizations in Rensselaerville, including the Huyck Preserve, the Trinity Church, and twenty years at the Rensselaerville Library. Her passion for family continued as she became a proud grandmother, known as Bibbi, to seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Kristen Bologna (Charles Bologna), Susan Holmes (Virgil Weidman), Terry Heath (Stephen Marks) and Tracy Bensen (Gordon Bensen). In addition to Barbara's parents, she is predeceased by her brothers, Robert and John Claflin; Randy Heath, her husband of sixty-three years; and her daughter Cathy Heath. Family and friends may call at the AJ. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083, on Friday October 14th from 4 to 7PM. A service will be held on Saturday October 15th at 11AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 4987 State Route 81, Greenville followed by the interment at the Rensselaerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Rensselaerville Library, PO Box 188, Rensselaerville, NY 12147 or Steve Caporizzo's Pet Connection, 341 Northern Boulevard, Albany, NY 12204. Condolences may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.