Barbra Ann Urich

MOHAWK - Barbra Ann Urich, 51, of Ballston Lake, passed away unexpectedly, Feb 13, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital.


Barb was born On April 28, 1972. the youngest child of the late Charles Ray and Donna (Kiddney) Ray, in Ilion, the last of three daughters to her parents. Those two sisters Andrea and Sandy became a cornerstone of Barb’s life.


Barb was literally the apple of her father’s eye. Routinely she would bob around with Charley and he was glad to have his cute little companion. Those who knew and loved her are sure Charley was at the pearly gates waiting to greet his youngest child.


As a child, Barb was a girly girl loving her babies and actually naming her Daughter Samantha after her favorite cabbage patch doll.


Barb shared many wonderful friendships during her younger years. The quartet of She, Lindee, Jodi and Amy Werenczak were seldom inseparable. Those times also saw many good, sometimes crazy times, happiness, sadness and friendships that have lasted as all are, or approaching 50.


Barb was also renowned to cause trouble in Frankfort, once going on a spray paint fest. She fit right in as she had the popular 90’a hairdo of the day.

As she grew into adulthood, Barb’s love of her childhood baby dolls grew into a love of every child that came into her life. Personally, that love of children reached new heights as her and her husband Gary had two beautiful children during their time together . Barb officially became a Mom with the arrival of her first child, Tyler, on Dec. 19, 1995. Weighing in at 9 lbs. 5 oz. at birth Tyler instantly became his Mom’s literal bundle of joy. The connection she shared with her son lasted till the day she died. Anyone who knew Barb certainly knew that. Mess with Tyler and you mess with his Mom.


Tyler has called his Mom his best friend and certainly will hate that he can’t make his daily call to his Mom.


On Nov, 6, 1997, Barb completed her dream and completed her perfect family with the arrival of her daughter Samantha. She finally had her baby that she could communicate to. Samantha and her Mom both were strong willed individuals and had their time to butt heads. They also had a love that daughters should share with their Mom. Samantha was always breathing down her Mom’s neck as she baked in the kitchen or just asking question after question seeking all the wisdom her Mom could offer.


A huge void has been left to Tyler and Sammi with the loss of their Mom. A huge legacy has also been left as the kids learned from the best how to be a parent.


Aside from her own two, Barb also took pride in all four of her nieces and nephews. All had special places in her heart. Taylor, Barb’s first niece, Taylor had a special place. Barb spent countless hours with Barb during her childhood serving almost as a second Mom. Taylor was the flower girl in Barb’s wedding and also gave Barb the title of Great Aunt, with Taylor’s birth of Avery.


Next came Jonathan, her first nephew. Jonathan , who was Barb’s sisters only child, lived with his parents in the Ithaca area so Barb always wished she could see more often.


Jimmy came next, Sister Sandy’s only child, Jimmy and Tyler got into a lot of mischief as kids. Barb loved every minute of it because she was the “Cool Aunt.” Some of that mischief went awry at times as Jimmy can claim fame to giving his Aunt Barb a permanent scar on her lower leg, the work of a well placed air soft gun shot.


Last of Barb’s extended children was Alexandra, Ally Kat as Barb often called her. Alley Kat, lived up to her name as she was the one who like to follow along with Jimmy and Tyler’s antics.


Taylor, Ally and Jimmy all provided Barb with great nieces and nephews as Avery, Lukas and Dominic, all who she loved dearly.


Barb’s love for young people transcend to her children’s friends as she treated them all as her own. Morgan and Madelyne held a special place as both were the best friends of her two children. Barb knew the kids all party but when it was time to shut it down, Barb would make it clear, “Party’s over Bitches.”


Barb worked as an administrative assistant for many years, first with ARC Herkimer, ending her time there as manager of the Goodwill Store, and she moved to Ballston Lake and worked for Curtis Lumber as an administrative assistant. The family and co-workers are saddened by Barb’s passing.


Her adult life became one to share with family and friends in the same loving and happy manner she lived the rest of her life. Whether it was a cookout at Murph and Laurie’s or Jim and Sandy’s, Barb was always the life of the party . She’d often be the cocktail chef on girl’s trips to Nashville or Florida. Barb’s bartending background served her well in that role.


Those trips to Nashville and Florida were with some of Barb’s best friends later in life. Her best friend Laurie Rose, was always alongside as were Donna, and Sandy. Throw in on occasion, Amy Werenczak, Brenda Coveleski, Debbie Nowack and others. The girls knew how to have a good time. Barb was never the last one standing as numerous photos will validate. She perfected the Irish goodbye. She met Paul on a plane from Florida, and the rest is history.


The last five years Barb found more happiness in her relationship with Paul Ferra and his family too. Paul found exactly the girl he had waited so long for and their relationship always included times at camp trips to Florida, Nashville and Virginia Beach, among others. Barb had a trip planned for November for Sammi’s 30th birthday. Sam will still get that trip with Paul and Bella to live out her mom's dream.


As Barb got older she understood more the meaning of family and friendship and did all she could for her children and anyone else that needed help.


Barb loved baking and, in her later years, canning vegetables. Her numerous breads she always baked for any occasion or chicken riggies were always a hit.


To say that Barb gave more than she took from this world is an understatement.


Barb is survived by her mother, Donna; her boyfriend, Paul; and children Tyler and Samantha and her longtime boyfriend, Zachary Lamica; her brother, Steve; her sisters, Andrea (John) Bahry and Sandra Ray and fiancé, Mike Grossi. She also leaves behind her former brother-in-law, Jim Allen; and sister- in-law, Jill Pick.


She is also survived by Paul’s daughters, Bella and Brittany; and Brittany’s children, Mahala, Dahlia and Lincoln; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Timmy and Sabrina Urich; and her niece, Zoey Urich.


She leaves behind her Uncle Harry and Aunt Donna Kiddney; several cousins, on both her parents sides; her beloved fur friends; and her special neighbors, Mary and Sam, from childhood, will also feel the void.


Her fur babies at Sam’s farm, including Cooper and Bailey, will sorely miss their Grammie and regular delivery of treats.


In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to your favorite YMCA, as Barb worked hard the last decade to get physically healthy.


Calling hours will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., in Ilion. A Memorial Service will be held immediately after the calling hours. A celebration of Life honoring Barb will be held at the Crowley Barnum American Legion immediately following the services.


Barb’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.