Obituary of Barbara Jean Grabowski

Elmira Heights: Age 89, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Monday, September 29, 2014 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Barbara was born February 25, 1925, in Elmira, the daughter of Justus L. and Bertha (Hill) Shaw. She is predeceased by her brother Richard Shaw, sister Ellen Willett and daughter-in-law Sharon Grabowski. Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years Joseph J. Grabowski; children, and their spouses, Pamela J. (Hoffman) and Kenneth Lewis of Elmira Heights, Carol J. and Stephen Cardamone of Ithaca, Thomas J. and Lisa Grabowski of Myrtle Beach SC; grandchildren, Kimberly (Bryan) Woodworth, David (Jamie) Lewis, Corey (Kim) Bourgeois, Michele (Gary) Southard, Kristi (Chad) Colligan, Stephen (Amy) Cardamone, Scott (Michelle) Cardamone, Kelly (James) Spivey, and David Walters; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law William and Eleanor Shaw of Elmira Heights; along with several nieces, nephews and close friends. Barbara was a good and kind person. She never had an unkind word to say about anybody and looked at the world through rose colored glasses. In the past few years she took great interest in sports and became an avid NY Yankee fan. Barbara's role in life was that of a caretaker, always looking out for other people. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who will be forever missed. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 7:15 p.m. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. The Grabowski family would like to offer a special thank you to the 3C and 4B staffs at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Dr. Rizk, the Chemung County Nursing Facility and Stacy at Care First for the wonderful care provided to Barbara over the last two months. Donations in memory of Barbara may be directed to Care First, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning NY 14830.