Barbara Trojan, most recently of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on May 4, 2015 after a brief illness. She was 82. Barbara was born on December 24, 1932 in Poughkeepsie, NY to Nita and John Arnhardt. Her early years featured hardship, but were defined by the love and bonds of family. Barbara grew up in a household with two deaf parents, where conversations around the dinner table took place in American Sign Language. And, owing to her parents' disability, Barbara spent time in St. Vincent's Children's Home as a young girl, together with her sister. Yet as an adult, she returned home to the Hudson Valley, where she would go on to build her life and raise a family.

Barbara spent the majority of her adult years living in Fishkill, NY as a homemaker and mother of three children: Barbara Romito, who predeceased her in 1984; Kathleen Virga of Wappingers Falls; and Gregory Trojan of La Canada Flintridge, California. Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Michael Trojan, in 2008, as well as by her siblings John Arnhardt and Alma Casso and by her son-in-law Michael Virga. Barbara was a brave, kind and giving person. She successfully battled schizophrenia for much of her adult life and did so while being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was quick to smile and laugh. Barbara was also a gifted athlete, averaging nearly 200's during her bowling career and winning a local golf championship in only her second year of play. Barbara was also a long-time member of the Southern Dutchess Country Club. Despite her talents, she was a gracious competitor who enjoyed others' accomplishments as much as her own – though she did occasionally revel in besting her husband on the golf course, much to his consternation. Barbara also found peace in creating art, and particularly loved drawing and watercolors.

In addition to her two children, Barbara is survived by her sister, Florence Jones of Wappingers Falls; her daughter-in-law Janice Meagher Trojan; her grandchildren Heather Crowley and her husband Jerry of Fishkill, Michael Virga of Wappingers Falls, and Emily Trojan and Andrew Trojan of La Canada Flintridge, California; and by her great grandchildren, Cameron, Hudson, and Olivia Crowley of Fishkill.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Interment will be in Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
Barbara's family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mental Health America of Dutchess County (mhadutchess.org) or to a charity of one's choice.
For directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Barbara's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.