CHESTERTOWN --- Kathy Lee Barlow-McCann left us too soon due to a motorcycle accident on May 7, 2024. She was born on November 20, 1955, in Ticonderoga, NY. Kathy graduated from North Warren High School in 1974 and Ulster County Community College in 1977.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Jame B. Barlow, and Phyllis Walker Barlow.  She is survived by her loving husband Bernie McCann of Chestertown and her children and stepchildren, Kacey Burakowski (Brian) of Lake Elmore VT, Buffy Kelly (Benjamin) of Superior Montana, Jedidiah Smith (Kelsey) of Terrace, British Columbia, Zackery Smith (Shannon) of Saranac Lake NY, Kelly McCann (Dan) of Laguna Niguel, CA, Casey Congel (Dan) of Palmetto FL, and Brigid McCann (Rob) of Long Beach CA.   She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren and step- grandchildren, Kodi Kelly, James Kelly, Jo Katherine Kelly, Tajny Burakowski, Everest Burakowski, Braeya Smith, Sullivan Smith, Jordan Congel, Adam Congel and Natalie Congel, her sister Susan Gill (Roger) of Chestertown and Stephen Barlow of Troy NY, a niece, Jessica Hamlin of Chestertown, nephews, Jeremy Gagnon (Wendy) of California and Carl Barlow (Kelly) of Chestertown and numerous cousins and friends across the country, especially Sharon Lynks of Bonners Ferry, ID, whom she loved like a sister.

One of Kathy's proudest moments was when she was named Honorable Mention All American for Junior College Cross Country Skiing after finishing in third place at the National Junior College Championship in 1977.

Kathy loved working with the National Forest Service in Montana doing Tree Stand evaluations.

Following in the footsteps of her father, James Barlow, long time Troop Scoutmaster of Troop 30, Kathy acted as the Treasurer and Merit Badge Counselor and general scout leader of Troop 30 in Chestertown.  She was always proud of the fact that so many of the Troop's scouts became Eagle Scouts, especially her son Zachary.

Kathy was a Home Visitor for Warren County Head Start for over twenty years.  Driving around the county, she would point out this house or that house and mention how she used to visit that residence.  Wherever she went in Warren County a mother or a now grown child would stop her and say, Miss Kathy, which was the affectionate name they all used for her.  She brought joy, knowledge, and kindness to all the homes she visited and worked with.  Her car was always full of books, games, toys, and other things she would use to instruct and entertain.

Kathy was passionate about her love of family, both biological and extended.  Holidays were her favorite time as she would host family and friends at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter, often having twenty-five or more for dinner.  She always carried this off with the greatest of ease.

She was always loyal to her friends from all over the country, spending hours on the phone staying connected with them.

Kathy loved horses.  She could not wait each summer for her friend, Patsy Gowan to arrive from South Carolina with her two horses, Atlas, and Hero.  Kathy would ride Hero.  She always carried treats in her pocket for the horses.  She would also volunteer at Kit and Kin Riding Stable in Warrensburg, helping with the stall cleaning just to be near the horses and to help her friend Sue Lambert. One of her greatest thrills was when she went horseback riding at Leslie Castle, Ireland.

Kathy convinced her husband Bernie that they should buy a travel camper.  They crossed the United States on an 11,200-mile trip, and subsequently traveled to Illinois, South Carolina, Vermont, New Hampshire, The Outer Banks, Washington DC, Williamsburg, California, The Amish Country, Montana, The Dakotas, Ireland, Iceland, and all over the Adirondacks enjoying every minute of it.

She loved her community of Chestertown, serving as the Secretary of the local Historical Society.  Kathy was known throughout the town for her constant walks through the town in any type of weather.  On the walks she would visit friends and strangers alike. The town has lost a guarding angel.  The Barlow Family has lived at 98 Riverside Drive for one hundred years as of this past April.

If we could choose just one adjective to describe Kathy, that word would be KIND.  She did so many kindhearted things for so many people, never expecting anything in return. Her generosity knew no bounds.

Her greatest love was for her four children and seven grandchildren.  A more devoted wife, mother, and grandmother you could not find.

Donations to honor Kathy's Memory may be made to either Troop 30, 7 May Road, Chestertown NY 12817 or to The Historical Society of the Town of Chester, PO Box 34, Chestertown, NY 12817.

Burial to be at the convenience of the Family.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.