FISHKILL – Barbara Lee McCarthy, a seven-year resident of the Town of Fishkill and formerly of Yonkers, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 31, 2016. She was 63.
Daughter of the late Howard Francis and Ruth (Payne) McCarthy, she was born in the Bronx on
September 20, 1953. Barbara graduated from Yonkers High School in 1971 and then attended the
School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Following that she enrolled in Lehman College (CUNY) where she earned both an undergraduate degree as well as a Master's in Teaching Reading, and upon graduation was then hired as an adjunct instructor at the college. Barbara was fluent in Spanish and could also sign (ASL) a little. Later she earned a second Master's degree in E.S.L from Fordham University. She was also trained as a Reading Recovery teacher.

A perpetual student, Barbara also studied at the Swedish Institute where she became a licensed massage therapist (LMT); she also studied shiatsu at the Ohashi Institute.

She enjoyed countless hobbies such as quilting and photography. She played guitar once in a while and was studying piano. Barbara loved the outdoors and frequently hiked, built cairns, climbed mountains and always cherished time spent along the banks of the Hudson. She enjoyed traveling, listening to music of all genres, and loved going to concerts. Barbara was a lifelong vegetarian who savored good food and wine. She practiced daily workouts in her yoga room and lived her life attentive to each moment.

As someone who appreciated all aspects of life, Barbara offered her career to sharing her well-earned knowledge with others and dedicated 30 years of service as a teacher for the New York City Department of Education. She just retired last month as a literacy specialist in a NYC public school. And as a teacher trainer, she is responsible for helping countless numbers of children develop a love of literature.
Survivors include her longtime partner, Stephen Powers, at home in Fishkill; her sister, Susan Rapanos & her husband John of Montclair, NJ; her sister, Janice Felicione of Warwick; several nieces & nephews, along with their families and many other loving relatives & friends.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
All friends are encouraged to remember Barbara by doing something in her memory – whether it's a walk in the woods, a good book, a glass of French rosé, a donation to a charity of your choice, or a tribute of your own design.
Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. For online tributes, you can visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.