Barbara Panetta Sauer (82) passed away peacefully at home on February 23rd after a long illness.

Barbara was born in New York City to Joseph and Rita Panetta. She is survived by her husband, Greg Sauer, and by her surrogate granddaughters, Marina and Amelia Kucic.

Barbara grew up in Port Washinton NY. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame of Maryland and received her master's degree from the University at Albany.

Her career was devoted to education. She taught at the elementary, high school, and college levels, and also worked in college administration at Empire State College. In addition, she was a small business owner.

Barbara was active in volunteer work throughout her life. She was a member of the Schenectady County AIDS Task Force and a volunteer at the Heritage Home for Women in Schenectady. In the Schenectady Stockade, she served on the Villagers Art Show Committee and contributed to the Stockade Walkabout and the Stockade Secret Garden Tour. She was also a board member of the Stockade Association.

Barbara was a gentle and empathetic person with a dazzling smile. A deeply visual person, she loved flowers, flower arranging, and decorating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heritage Home for Women, 1519 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12309.

Services will be private. Condolence messages may be left at www.gleasonfuneralhomeinc.com