Barbara J. Luffred
Jan. 16, 1927 - Dec. 3, 2023
Barbara J. Luffred age 96 of Gowanda passed away Sunday December 3, 2023 at home surrounded by family.
Barbara was born the eldest of three siblings born to Walter and Ida (Allen) Cable in Bridgeport, Connecticut January 16, 1927.
A graduate of Milford High School she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University in Medford, Mass. She was the first female graduate of the private University earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She took graduate courses earning her masters degree from Syracuse University and Fredonia State. Barbara taught Mechanical Engineering at Syracuse University then later retiring from Erie Community College (south campus). At the time of her retirement Barbara was a Professor of Mechanical Drafting and Computer Aided Drafting at E.C.C.
Barbara married Michael Deo Luffred in September of 1959, they moved to the Western NY area in the fall of 1963.
Barbara was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gowanda serving as a Church Elder, on the church Board of Trustees and a member of the church choir along with serving on various committees within the church . Other memberships include the National Daughters of the American Revolution , Life member of Girl Scouts USA serving as a Troop Leader . She led numerous camping outings and was a true leader with every aspect of badge earning , especially sewing as she was an avid seamstress and very advanced in needle point. She loved the outdoors, hiking and gardening . She was also a member of the American Society of Engineering Education.
Barbara and her husband Michael were very active in the “Folk” and “Polka” Community. They traveled throughout the late 1950’s 60’s and 70’s teaching International Folk Dancing. They both delivered Meals on Wheels to shut ins for 11 years and were honored by the program for their community service.
Surviving include her loving husband Michael of 64 years . Children; Cynthia L. Billings of Dunkirk, David A. (LuAnn) Billings of Redford ,Michigan, John M. (Mark) Luffred of Coral Springs, Fla., Janette M. Luffred of Atlanta, Ga. and Jeffrey B. (Roxanne) Luffred of Mount Airy, Mich. Grandchildren; Davy, Carol, Julianna (Vince) , Rebekah (Josh), Ashton, Evan (Kaitlyn) and Ian (Denali) . Great grandchildren; Gabriella, Jessica, Joshua, Rebekah, Nathan, Emily, Trenton, Beckett, Jaxon, Noah, Eloise and Vivian. Nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides her parents Barbara was preceded in death by her brothers Allen E. Cable Sr. and Raymond Cable 2 nephews and several cousins.
As per Barbra’s wishes a Celebration of Life Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church 64 East Main Street Gowanda, NY on FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 2023, at 11:00 am (please assemble at church). A private family interment at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Corning, NY will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda , NY (716)-532-4200.
If desired , memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church 64 East Main St. Gowanda, NY 14070 or to the Girl Scouts of the USA Attn: Office of Philanthropy P.O. Box 5046 New York, NY 10087-5046.