We are saddened to learn of the passing of Barbara Frances (Plunkett) Schindler-Holcomb, 95, of Sherburne, NY, and a member of the Class of 1948. We extend our condolences to Barbara’s family, friends, and classmates.

Barbara passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at her home. She was born on January 18, 1930, in Queens, NY, a daughter of the late Charles and Barbara (Smith) Plunkett.

She grew up in Sayville and graduated from Sayville High School.

On June 19, 1949, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sayville, NY she married John Henry Schindler (SHS Class of 1944) until his passing.

She later married Dale D. Holcomb on September 10, 2003, in Oyster Bay, NY, and moved to New Bridge, OR. He, too, predeceased her. For many years, Barbara worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, dedicating herself to caring for others, and as an Artist, using her talents to bring joy and beauty to those around her.

Her artistic pursuits led her to become a lifetime member of the Sayville, NY, Wet Paint Studio Group and a member of BACCA, where she shared talents with like-minded individuals.

Throughout her life, Barbara participated in animal rescue, especially of feral cats. Later in life, she owned several horses and became an advocate for the care and rescue of wild or abandoned horses. As a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sayville, NY, Barbara found strength and comfort in her faith.

Surviving are her five children, Janet Ellen and Craig Palmer of Glenville, NY, John and Karen Schindler of Greene, NY, Jennifer Moore of Sherburne, NY, Jeffrey and Barbara Schindler of Hamilton, NY, and Jim and Doreen Schindler of Ronkonkoma, NY; eleven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, JoAnn Peterson, Richard Schwarting, Loretta Wikan, Kevin and Beth Brown, Kathy and Tom Leigh-Manuell, Gail and Don Butterfield, and Rev. Gary and Ginnie Schindler. Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Barbara was predeceased by an infant grandson, Michael Schindler; her son-in-law, Charles Moore; sisters, Dorothea Brown (SHS Class of 1940) and Loretta Ritter (SHS Class of 1949) ; and a niece, Barbara Smith.

Graveside services with a Celebration of Life will be held privately in the spring at Sherburne Quarter Cemetery, Sherburne, NY, where she will be laid to rest alongside her loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to 3 Sisters Equine Refuge, 7865 NW Eagle Dr., Redmond, OR 97756 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815.

Both organizations were dear to her heart. Arrangements are in the care of the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, NY 13460.

This obituary was published by and is courtesy of www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com

A memorial page has been created in Barbara’s honor, and the Sayville Alumni Association will remember Barbara annually on her birthday, January 18. We hope that this remembrance will provide some level of solace to those who knew and loved Barbara.