Barbara  Wayman

Barbara Wayman, born Barbara Helen Shirey, (August 31, 1933) of Ithaca, NY, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Oak Hill Manor, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Henry J. Shirey and Helen Fulkerson Shirey of Cayuga Heights. Barbara graduated from Ithaca High School in 1951 and from Cortland State Teacher College (SUNY Cortland) in 1955. She was very active in the school music program in High School, and distinguished herself as an exceptional singer. At SUNY Cortland she participated in Musical Theatre productions. In 1955, Barbara married John Dix Wayman, and they moved into their Danby Road house where they lived together for 61 years. Barbara taught briefly at South Hill School before starting her family. She was an active member of the Church Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca for over 40 years. While a member of the choir, she applied her highly regarded cookie-baking skills to her post as “Cookie Night Coordinator.” She was a volunteer with Meals-On-Wheels, and at Loaves and Fishes. In her later years, she was a member of P.E.O. Barbara was a caring and kind person, quick to help her neighbors, family, and friends in need. Always cheerful and fun-loving, her smile lit up our world. She would break into a song and dance at the slightest provocation. She loved going bare-foot. On their sailboat, “Blue Skies,” she was Dix's first mate and “Captain's Advisor.” She will be missed by all who loved her.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents Henry J. and Helen Shirey and brother Richard Shirey. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Dr. John Dix Wayman, and children, Bill (Betty), John (Karen), Alice Ploss (Robin) and Ted, and five grandchildren; Sandra and Claire Wayman, and Christopher, Nathan, and Matthew Ploss, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca, 315 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca.

. If you'd like to do something meaningful to honor her memory, please make a donation to Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County. http://www.loaves.org/