Obituary of Barbara Coffman

Barbara ''Bobbie'' Coffman Dundee: Barbara Coffman, of Detroit, Dundee and the world, died at home on Tuesday April 21, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Calling hours will be 6-8 pm on Thursday, April 23 at Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY. "A woman of valor who can find? For her worth far above rubies . . ."that ancient proverbial honorific jumps to mind, but Bobbie's voice quickly interrupts: "What? Are you suggesting that a valorous woman is harder to find than a valorous man? Do you really think I'm going to lay still for that?" She never thought she deserved honors just for being herself, open and generous, passionate advocate for women, children and the needy, a fierce believer in fairness, equality and education. Bobbie earned her BA and Ph.D in Psycholinguistics at the University of Michigan, taught at Keuka College and spent most of her work years as a psychologist for troubled children in Yates and Steuben counties. In addition, she volunteered at Red Cross Emergency Services, Family Planning, Milly's Pantry, Lakeview Mental Health Services, Yates County Community Health, Dundee Library, Yates County Progressives, Our Town Rocks, for local blood drives and elections. Bobbie was also a passionate traveler who loved to experience new cultures, relished the music of other peoples, loved trying to dance their dances, too. She loved nature, especially birds and flowers. Her ultimate gardening goal was to have her beds in bloom from spring snowmelt to the last fallen leaf of autumn. She liked to decorate herself as well. When bald from cancer, she wore brighter clothes and lipstick, longer and shinier earrings. She never thought of herself as a victim. Wherever she went, color and brightness followed. She is survived by her husband Steve, sister Isabel, son Zack, daughter Annie, and precious grandsons Xander and Tommy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Milly's Pantry, which supports the disadvantaged children of Yates County. (millyspantry.org) Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.