SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eva Graves Barron, 85, of Embury Apartments, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 10.
Born on December 13, 1927, in Brownville Junction, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Harry P. Graves and Elva Steeves Graves. She married the love of her life, Ralph J. Barron, Jr. on September 2, 1951. He passed away on July 14, 1997.
Eva was a registered nurse, who received her education at the University of Maine, Eastern Maine Medical Center, and the University of Iowa.
Eva moved to Saratoga Springs with her family in 1966 when Ralph was hired to establish the Embury Apartments and Wesley Health Care Center of the Wesley Community. Before moving to Saratoga she was on the faculty of the School of Nursing at St. Luke’s Methodist Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She worked at Saratoga Hospital for many years. Her final position with the hospital was Director of Education and Staff Development.
Eva was a strong volunteer all her life and felt blessed to be able to continue to serve long into her retirement years. She referred to her volunteerism as ‘paying my civic rent.”
She began with the American Red Cross rolling bandages during World War II, and later, teaching Red Cross courses and serving on the Board of Directors. In 1974 she was named the Red Cross Nurse of the Year. Eva also served on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society. Much of her volunteer work revolved around her children’s activities including the PTA, Boy Scouts, sports and musical concerts. She was also a member of the League of Woman Voters and the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she served her church in many capacities: a church school teacher for 30 years, youth counselor, Dean of girls at summer church camps, the administrative board, and a trustee of the church.
Eva loved music and was an avid reader. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, both immediate and extended.
Along with her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, a son, Stephen, two sisters, Argie Edgecomb and Airel Strang, and a brother, Henry Graves.
Survived by a beloved son, Peter (partner Carolyn) of Boston and West Harwich, Massachusetts, a beloved daughter, Martha Simmons (Michael) of Ballston Spa, and a beloved daughter-in-law Nancy Barron of Sumter, South Carolina and four precious grandchildren: Andrew Barron of Charlotte, North Carolina, Kimberly Barron Buckner (Kevin) of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Christopher and Caitlyn Simmons of Ballston Spa, a special great-grandson, Barron Lee Buckner of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.
Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.
