Barbara J. Peschka

Barbara J. (Burnell) Peschka, 96, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at home. Born in North Syracuse, she was the daughter of Marvilla (Merriam) Burnell and William Burnell. Barbara lived in her Cicero home; that her father built in 1961, for 50 years. She was a waitress for Friendly's in Cicero and Jerry's in Evansville, Indiana. Waitressing was a joyful experience for her as she enjoyed engaging with her customers and knew many of them well. She loved to knit and knitted every day. Barbara made many gifts for family and friends through the years. Barbara was a long-time member of North Syracuse Baptist Church, The Gathering Place, where she was a greeter and a counter. In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by: her brothers Stuart, Donald and Foster, her granddaughter, Marianna Peschka in 1999, her daughter-in-law Dianne Peschka in 2021, and her husband of 64 years, Raymond A. Peschka, in 2012. In retirement she worked at the Knickerbocker farm stand where she enjoyed greeting regular and new customers. After the farm stand closed customers frequently asked about her. Over the last five years she was a weekday attendee of Silver Fox Adult Day Centers which she often referred to as her “work”. Barbara enjoyed her time at Silver Fox and was well cared for by staff and many other members. Hospice of Central New York participated with family in her end of life care. Hospice was a blessing, offering many services including visits from nurses and daily phone calls from the team. Surviving are her children: Kurt (Cathy) Peschka, Jeannie Gmyr, Barbara (Raymond "Skip") Knickerbocker, and Karen (Kevin) McDermott; grandchildren, Laura Lea, Michael (Jessica), Sean, and Julia Peschka, Sarina (Joe) Stahl; Sharon Rose and Jeff (Kristyn) Knickerbocker and Jude McDermott; her great grandchildren: Jackson, Roman and Silas Peschka, Gwendolyn and Remington Knickerbocker. Private graveside services were held at North Syracuse Cemetery. Donations may be made to: Hospice of Central New York, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 Silver Fox Adult Day Centers, 22 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

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Barbara J. Peschka

April 1, 2025