Barbara J. Horner

Barbara J. Horner, 84, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the Groton Community Health Care Center after a period of declining health.

Barb or Barbie, as her three sisters called her, was born on July 12, 1941, in Cortland, a daughter of the late Herbert and Gertrude (Randall) Karn. A resident of the Groton-Moravia area most of her life, she attended Groton schools and worked at Smith Corona in Groton before joining the Division of Campus Life at Cornell University, where she held several positions, retiring after 35 years.

The “quintessential grandma,” Barb welcomed all into her home. There was always a seat at the dinner table, some kind of sweet treat, a warm hug, and no one left without hearing “come again”. She adored her family – especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – and was up for any kind of adventure. From riding Splash Mountain at Disney World, to joining her granddaughter on a water slide in Nashville and parasailing over the ocean with her son (at 75 years young!), Barb did it all with a smile and her trademark shoulder-shrug laugh. During their 52-year marriage, Barb and her late husband Charles E. “Chuck” Horner spent summers camping with family and friends and enjoyed their extensive travels throughout the United States. After retiring, they spent winters in Englewood, Florida – where Barb maintained a residence until 2022.

In addition to her husband and parents, Barb was predeceased by her son, Michael Horner, and sister, Helen Drake. She is survived by her sons: Ed Horner, of Port Charlotte, FL, and Jimmie Horner (Lesley) and Kevin Horner (Amy), of Moravia; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Deena Horner; sisters, Vivian Andrews (Gerald) and Joanne Clay; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 NOON on Thursday, July 17 at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton, with interment to follow at Bird Cemetery, Locke. A calling hour will precede that funeral from 11:00 AM - Noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Faatz-Crofut Home for the Elderly, “The Home”, in Auburn NY or your favorite charity of choice . Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.shurtleffservices.com .