Barbara Ann Metcalfe, 90, of Webster New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, with family by her side. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 26, 1934, to Richard and Jean Ball. Following her father's passing, the family relocated to Rochester, New York, in 1937. There, her mother met and married Julius "Duke" Paufler, a devoted husband and caring stepfather who enriched the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Barbara attended Number 41 Elementary School in the Kodak Park neighborhood and later Charlotte Junior-Senior High School before transferring to Webster High School, where she graduated in 1953.

Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Ralph Metcalfe; her younger brother, Greg Paufler; and her older brother, Richard Ball. She is survived by her devoted children: daughters Lora (Andrew) Sprague, Janel (Kris) Walker, and Jeri (David) Seils; and sons David (Robin) Metcalfe and Mark (Kathy) Metcalfe. She was a cherished grandmother to 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and held a special place in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Throughout her life, Barbara played an integral role in several successful family businesses. Together with Ralph, she co-founded and managed an Abbott's Custard franchise on Route 104 in Ontario, NY, as well as Bethany Trailers in Webster, NY. After retiring in 1986, the couple moved to Sandy Creek, NY, where they owned and operated the Town and Country Mobile Home Park in Pulaski, NY. In 1997, they returned to the Rochester area to be closer to family, settling in Lyons, NY, near Brantling Ski Slopes. Their 1888 farmhouse became a treasured gathering place for holidays and family celebrations. After Ralph's passing in 2017, Barbara resided at The Gardens Senior Living Community in Macedon and later at St. Ann's Care Center at Cherry Ridge, where she formed many meaningful friendships.

Barbara was a woman of extraordinary kindness and authenticity, described by all who knew her as sweet, caring, and deeply genuine. She touched the lives of many with her encouraging words, warm hugs, and sincere interest in others' well-being. Barbara's servant's heart and radiant smile made everyone around her feel loved and valued.

Her family and friends admired her unwavering love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, marveling at the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Known for her humor, selflessness, and faith, Barbara inspired those around her to live with grace and compassion.

Barbara was also celebrated for her culinary talents, particularly her famous "melt-in-your mouth" apple pie and her legendary potato salad, both of which were highly anticipated and enjoyed at the yearly Metcalfe Family Reunion. A running family joke among her five children was that Barbara intentionally altered her recipes to keep them unique and impossible to replicate— though it's more likely her unmatched cooking skills made her dishes extraordinary, regardless of any alterations she had intentionally (or unintentionally) made to these famous dishes throughout her lifetime.

While her passing leaves a profound void, there is comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her loved ones. Her life was a testament to her faith, and her memory will continue to bring light to all who were blessed to have known her.

The family will hold a private burial ceremony on Friday, January 10, 2025.

A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Living Word Assembly of God, located at 2344 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY. Barbara's service may be livestreamed: https://livingwordag.com/

Following the service, guests are invited to join the family for a lunch buffet and dessert to share cherished memories of Barbara. True to her legacy, there will be an ample supply of apple pie and potato salad, featuring the various recipe variations lovingly passed down by Barbara, and served in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Pines of Peace, a hospice facility located at 2378 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY 14519, to support this invaluable organization.

Pines of Peace
2378 Ridge Road, Ontario NY 14519
Web: https://pinesofpeace.org/