Barbara “Barbie” Helen (Lieb) Kowtun, 74 of Hornell, passed away unexpectedly at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY Sunday (Sept.14, 2025).
Born in Hornell on Feb. 7, 1951, to the late Harold and Jean (O’Connor) Lieb.
Barbara grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). She attended Alfred State College where she graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts in 1972.
Over the years, Barbara worked as a teachers’ aide working with students with disabilities, as well as, the ARC of Allegany County. She also worked numerous years as a dedicated elections inspector. But her greatest passion in life was to be a stay-at-home mom raising and caring for her four children.
Barbara enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking. She will always be remembered for her “famous” Christmas cookies, fruit salad, and meatballs.
Barbara adored her role as daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Harold R. “Bob” Lieb, jr.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 53 years, Alexander Kowtun who she married at the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell on Aug. 23, 1972; her four children, Anthony Kowtun of Hornell, Kathryn (Wm. Matthew) Fava of Manassas, VA, Paul (Colleen) Kowtun of Buffalo, NY and Nicholas Kowtun of Almond, NY; her nine grandchildren, Conner, Alex, Haiden, Will, Michael, Laura, Parker, Preston and Payton; and great-grandchild, Grayson. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Margie (John) Frungillo of Hornell; 2 brothers, James (Mary) Lieb of Albany, NY and John (Elizabeth) Lieb of Hornell; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Calling hours are 2-4 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 21, 2025) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday (Sept. 22, 2025), with Pastor Ted Warner officiating. A reception to follow will be announced at the church. Private interment will take place at Alfred Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers Barbara’s family requests memorial contributions in her name be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Barbara’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Barb are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
