Obituary of Barbara A. (O'Brien) Slater

Barbara A. (O'Brien) Slater, age 88, died on September 18, 2018 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY with family by her side.

She was born in Pittsfield, MA on July 31, 1930, the daughter of the late Dominic and Bessie Stache Pupo. Barbara attended local schools and was a graduate of the Pittsfield High School class of 1948. After high school, she was employed at General Electric until 1955. She then married and moved to Niskayuna, NY where she raised her two sons Timothy and Michael O’Brien. Barbara worked at Colonie Center for many years and has shared fond memories of her time there.  After her sons were grown, she moved back to Pittsfield to be with her extended family. There, she met and married her former high school sweetheart, Edward Slater in 1980. They enjoyed a wonderful 33 years together until Edward’s death in 2013.

Barbara was a lover of animals, especially cats and dogs. The consummate care of her pets was appreciated by all, especially her many “rescues”. Barbara loved family and her home and will be fondly remembered for her kind heart and easy manner.

Barbara is survived by her sons Timothy O’Brien (Ruth Leadley) of Alplaus, NY and Michael O’Brien (Mary Pellet) of Freeport, ME ;  three step-daughters Debra Glassanos (Tom) of Pleasanton, CA; Barbara Ziter of Williamstown, MA; Kimberly Slater of Adams, MA; 10 step-grandchildren, Shauna, Corey, Crystal, Matthew, Jamie, Erick, Amy, Eddie, Tonya, Naomi; 9 step-great grandchildren; her beloved brother Daniel Pupo of Cheshire, MA, former husband Harry O’Brien of Colonie, NY and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Besides her parents and husband Edward, Barbara was predeceased by infant daughters, Christine and Robin O’Brien, brother Francis Pupo, stepson Edward Slater Jr, stepdaughter Wendy Slater-Cowell, sister-in-laws Judith Pupo and Marilyn Pupo and her dear friend Patricia Keyes. 

SERVICES:  A celebration of life for Barbara will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 3:30 to 5:30 at the Meadows at Glenwyck, 150 Dutch Meadows Lane, Schenectady NY.

There will also be a celebration of Barbara’s life on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 11 to 1 at Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Ave, Pittsfield, MA. Private interment will be in Pittsfield Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Devanny-Condron Funeral Home.  www.glenvillefuneralhome.com