Barbara Ellen Buske

OSWEGO – December 10, 1939 – January 24, 2026

Barbara was born in Oswego, grew up in Scriba, and graduated from Oswego High School in
1958. With a love of sewing and art, she then earned a two-year degree in art and design from
Cazenovia College, and shortly after graduation, followed her dream by moving to New York
City to attend art school in Manhattan. For almost 20 years she worked first in the Garment
District, and then as a graphic designer for businesses such as Cunningham and Walsh, Hallmark,
and Johnson and Johnson. In the late 1970s, she moved “upstate” to Croton-on-Hudson in
Westchester County, and established her business designing, building, and maintaining flower
gardens for her many clients. In Croton, she became a member of the Lewis A. Brennan Chapter
of the New York State Archaeology Association, and enjoyed many years volunteering at various
archaeology digs and promoting local archaeology events for the community.
Throughout her eighty-six years, she was blessed with many close and faithful friends, both
former co-workers and those who shared her interests. She also greatly enjoyed time with her
large extended family members within both the Noyes and Buske families, and especially her
hours spent at her uncle’s home, now the Richard A. Noyes Audubon Sanctuary at Nine-Mile
Point.
Her last 15 months were spent at Peregrine Onondaga Senior Living Facility near Syracuse, NY,
where she enjoyed meaningful activities led by the wonderfully caring staff who became her
newest friends and “family”. Her family is grateful for all who touched her long life in such a
loving way. She is survived by two sisters, Gloria Gilmore of San Diego, CA, and Sheila Buske
of Oswego. Also, she is remembered fondly by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date during the Summer. If you wish to make a
donation in her memory, please consider the Audubon Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or

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