Obituary of Barbara Webb Wiley

Barbara (Webb) Wiley, 76, passed away peacefully in her home in Delmar, NY on January 7, 2024 with her sister by her side. She was born February 22, 1947 in McLean, NY to Merton and Beata Webb. Barb was the loving wife for 36 years of the late Stephen J. Wiley, a longtime Albany N.Y. attorney. 

Barb was devoted to her family and friends, was passionate about reading, classical music, knitting, playing games, and traveling. A longtime fan of the Albany Symphony, she often hosted out-of-town Symphony performers at her beautifully restored antique home which she and Steve maintained for over 30 years in Glenmont, NY. Barb most delighted in Webb and Wiley family gatherings, especially at the holidays. 

Barb majored in Spanish at the University of Buffalo and later earned Master’s degrees in Latin American Studies and Library Science. Following her early years teaching Spanish, she spent the next thirty six years at the Emma Willard School in Troy, New York. She retired in 2012 as its Head of Library Science. She will be well remembered for her efforts in assembling and archiving the letters related to the life and work of Emma Willard. Keeping the Emma Library up to date, Barb oversaw the transition from the Dewey Decimal system to the digital age.

She was an extraordinarily kind and generous person who lived her life with courage and grace. Her loss will be felt in so many ways by so many people. Barbara is survived by her daughter Katherine (Kate) of Alexandria, VA ; her son, Matthew (Matt), of Glenmont, NY and his wife Sheena, grandchildren Myles (3) and Maeve (1); a sister, Eleanor (Ellie) and her husband, Gary Maines of Raleigh,  N.C.; a sister-in-law, Helen Doane, and husband Paul; and nieces and nephews.                .

Calling hours will be on Friday, January 26 from 4 PM to 6 PM at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, N.Y. A service to celebrate her life is planned for Saturday, January 27 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Delmar located at 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, N.Y. Donations in her memory may be made to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern N.Y., Latham, N.Y. or Doctors Without Borders.