Barbara F. Aurelia

ALBANY- In the early morning of Saturday, March 2nd, Barbara Aurelia passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home at age 79.  She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family and friends.

Barbara was born on November 1, 1944 in Albany.  She was the oldest child of Joseph and Eleanor Fitzmaurice and the older sister of Carol (Arnold) Kaye.  She was very proud of her father’s service to the Albany Fire Department where he was Chief for many years.

She was introduced to her husband, James Aurelia, during her early adulthood in Albany by their longtime friend, Martha Graney.  They were married on April 16, 1971 and enjoyed more than 52 years of marriage.  Together, they raised three beautiful girls who were a great source of pride for her: Susan (Damian) Pagones, Kathleen (Jeff) Uzzilia, and Elizabeth (Chris) Deitz.  She was a very dedicated mother who taught her daughters to be strong, independent, and caring.  Her family was the most important focus in her life.

She worked for the New York State Department of Civil Service for many years where she held multiple positions over the years.  In her retirement years, she became a doting grandmother to her 10 grandchildren (James, Kaelyn, Clare, Michael, John, Meghan, Emily, Jackson, Daniel, and Erin).  She was also survived by many nieces and nephews that she adored.

Barbara and Jim were longstanding parishioners of Mater Christi Church in Albany where they could be found every Sunday in their usual pew.  She was an excellent cook and her kitchen table was often the gathering spot for family, friends, and neighbors.

Barbara loved their annual trips to Myrtle Beach where they looked forward to reuniting with their “beach family.”  She also enjoyed monthly Sirloin Club gatherings and weekly coffee with the ladies.  In addition, Jim and Barbara were fixtures at as many sporting events for the grandkids as possible even in the coldest of temperatures.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 4-7 pm at Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 9, 2024 in Parish of Mater Christi 40 Hopewell St. Albany at 9:30 am.  All who knew Barbara are welcome. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.