Barbara Jean Syska (Birkenstock) died March 5, 2023.

Born January 10, 1935, Barbara was the eldest daughter of Bertha and Robert Birkenstock of Harrison, New York. She attended Bellows High School in Mamaroneck. She married Paul Syska in 1951. They later divorced.

She lived most of her adult life in Mahopac, New York, with her partner of many years, Larry Miller. She loved making flower arrangements and food (she made the best lasagna) for the Mahopac Veteran's events.

Barbara was predeceased by her son Paul (2021).

She is survived by her five children: Jane Vassallo (John) of Harrison, NY, Jan Morehouse (Jay) of Richmond, VA, Jill Ham (Ed) of Millbrook, NY, June Boniello (John) of Hopewell Junction and Barry of El Sobrante, CA . She was "Nona" to ten grandchildren: John, Jennie, Alexis, Scott, Eric, Kearsten, Frances, Geoffrey, Michelle, and one more grandson. She was the proud great-grandmother of 23 and predeceased by a baby great grandchild. Barbara is also survived by her two younger sisters, Judy Ensign of Harrison and Gail Aloia of Danbury, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial calling hours will be held from 1-3 pm, with a funeral service being held at 2:30 pm on Saturday March 11th, 2023 at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. 895 Route 82 Hopewell Junction, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to the Frontal Temporal Dementia Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.