Barbara A. (Hayes) Gilchrest

Shushan, NY - Barbara A. Gilchrest, 95, of Shushan, passed away Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at her residence. Born on September 18, 1930, in Sandgate, VT, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Florence (Bentley) Hayes.

Barbara graduated from Salem Washington Academy in 1948 and went on to attend the Mildred Elley Business School in Albany. She began her career as a bookkeeper at Hale Furniture Company in Arlington, VT, and later worked at the Victory Mills. She also served as the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, George Gilchrest Builder, retiring in 1993 after 37 years of dedicated work.

A long-standing member of the Shushan United Methodist Church, Barbara was proud to be its oldest member. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, cooking and baking, and in earlier years, found joy in camping, quilting, and bowling.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Edith (Glenn) Slaymaker of Hebron, NY, and Jeanne (Dan) Smith of Shushan, NY; her grandchildren, Taylor Cuevas, Nolan (Erika) Cuevas, and Cordell Smith; and her great-grandchildren, Ella and Ava. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, George L. Gilchrest, who passed away April 3, 2017.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Shushan United Methodist Church, 1057 County Route 61, Shushan, with Rev. Carol Finke officiating.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Shirley Flanagan for her enduring friendship and her kindness as a neighbor.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Salem Boy Scouts Troop 61, c/o Thane Rea,12 Wood Lane, Salem, NY 12865. Barbara’s three grandsons were Eagle Scouts. Donations may also be made to the Salem Alumni Association, P.O. Box 435, Salem, NY 12865.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Barbara, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc. in Salem.

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