Michele “Shelley” Spath Barker

OSWEGO – Michele “Shelley” Spath Barker, 70, of Oswego, died on July 20, 2025, in Syracuse, New York, after an extended illness.

Shelley was born in Oswego on January 19, 1955, the daughter of the late John J. and Genevieve E. Chapel Spath.  

She worked for many years in various positions at the former Loretto Heights Nursing Home in Oswego and retired as a receptionist from Morningstar Residential Care Center in Oswego. Shelley adored spending time with her family and enjoyed cruising to many destinations on vacation, especially the Caribbean.  She liked listening to live music, camping trips with family and friends, loved Oswego Harborfest, and playing Scrabble.    

Surviving are sons, Timothy Barker (Amy Roy) of Oswego, and Ryan Barker of Liverpool; a daughter, Renee Barker of Oswego; a grandson, Timothy Barker III (Montana Myhill) of Oswego; great grand-daughters, Ava Barker and Gianna Barker of Oswego; sister Patricia Butler of Oswego; brothers William Spath of Oswego, and Jack (Marla) Spath of Virginia; sister-in-law, Pat Spath of Oswego; several nieces and nephews; and best friend Melissa Russell of Oswego.  

Shelley was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Timothy Barker; sister Jean Anne Lewis; brother Terry Spath; and best friend Kathy Nalle.  

There will be no calling hours or services. Her children will announce a gathering of close family and friends at a later date.

Donations may be made in Shelley’s name to the Oswego Blessings in a Backpack (P.O. Box 5229, Oswego, New York 13126), which provides food on weekends for hundreds of children in Oswego who might otherwise go hungry.