Barbara J. Pickering

Barbara J. Pickering, 86, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, with her family by her side.

Barbara enjoyed gardening, camping, crafting, and sharing countless treasured moments with her friends. A gifted seamstress, her family remained the center of her world, and she never missed an opportunity to show them love and support. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, where she was known for baking the best brownies and teaching her family the art of making pierogis for their traditional Christmas Eve celebration.

Barbara was a longtime communicant of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and more recently a communicant of the Church of St. Michael & St. Peter. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family, as well as the many memories she lovingly stitched into the lives of those who knew her. After raising her family, Barbara worked as a bookkeeper and account clerk for Onondaga County until her retirement.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, John and Lottie Ceparski; brother, Robert Ceparski; sister, Sandra Scaccia; niece, Lee-Anne (Scaccia) Cruz; and her former husband of 31 years, Edward.

Surviving are her children, Theresa (David) Stanton, Michael (Tracy), Deborah (Bruce) Welles; grandchildren, Christa, Zachary, Patrick, Brian, Keith, Vanessa, and Jonathan; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

To celebrate Barbara’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, 4781 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.

A funeral Mass will immediately follow in the church.

Barbara will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Lakeland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Howlett Hill Fire Department, 3384 Howlett Hill Rd., Syracuse, NY 13215.