Barbara H. McDowell Dundee / Elmira: Barbara Hickox McDowell of Dundee, NY age 95 died of natural causes, September 4, 2025 at the Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan, NY Barbara was born in Binghamton, NY on January 25, 1930 to Elizabeth and Richard Hickox. She was passionate about family and friends, books, birds, cats, literacy, conservation and human rights. Barbara was a Public Elementary School librarian first at School 11 in Rochester, NY then at Ridge Road Elementary in Horseheads, NY. She passed along her love of books and reading to her own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and to countless children in the schools where she taught. She volunteered her time in all the communities in which she lived, including the Metro-Act Civil Rights organization in Rochester, The Nature Conservancy in Naples, FL and most recently at the Finn Academy Elementary School in Elmira, NY. When her great-granddaughter enrolled at Finn in 2016, Barbara realized the school did not have a library. She spent the next three years collecting funds, books, library furniture and equipment. She organized and ran the library, recruited volunteers and established a functioning school library that is still an important part of Finn today. Barbara is survived by her children Susan Fisher (Kenneth), Lydia Eldridge (James), Boyd McDowell III (Bonnie Beck), Peter McDowell (Anne), Elizabeth McDowell (Heather Hawkins). Grandchildren Emily Snavely (Eric), William Fisher (Ashley) Mary Fisher, Amber Neal (Patrick West) Nathan Eldridge (Kelly), Jack McDowell, Jennie McDowell (Andrew Masterson) and Margaret McDowell, and 8 great grandchildren. Also survived by her sister Jane Baker, sister-in-law Gertrude Hickox, and 10 nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her Husband Boyd McDowell II and her son John Chapin Phelps. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at St. John's Episcopal Church, 4938 County Road 14, Odessa, NY 14869 on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow which will be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tanglewood Nature Center, 443 Coleman Ave., Elmira, NY 14903. tanglewoodnaturecenter.com or Keuka Comfort Care Home, 35 Route 54, East Lake Rd., Penn Yan, NY 14527 keukacomfortcarehome.com Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.