Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 28/Jan/2022 184.90.11.39
Donna Rae Barker Pullar, 81, passed away suddenly on January 25, 2022 in Surfside Beach, SC. She was born on May 12, 1940 in Gouverneur, NY, the daughter of Harold and Lorraine Barker. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in a stone built one room schoolhouse in Somerville, NY. At the age of 14 her family moved to Newburgh NY, she was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. After graduation she worked at The United States Military Academy in the Department of Mechanics for Colonel Frank Borman. On October 15, 1960 she married W. James Pullar of New Windsor at Most Precious Blood Church in Walden. She became a stay-at-home Mom raising a son Bill and daughter Nancy. 16 years after graduating High School she became a freshman at SUNY New Paltz pursuing a teaching degree. She would graduate with honors and become a teacher in the Newburgh School District. Over the years she was a teacher, vice principal and finally the first female Principal at the Junior High Level in the Newburgh School District, becoming the Principal of North Junior High School. Donna was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, always lending a hand whenever needed. She volunteered many hours at Vails Gate School as her children were attending school there. She was a mainstay in the bleachers of her childrenā€™s sporting events, serving as team mother was always a given. After retirement Donna and Jim became part time residents of Florida, South Carolina and New York. She was always involved in the community no matter the location. She was a Proud member of the South Carolina and National Society Colonial Dames and the Daughters of The American Revolution. Traveling the world with Jim gave her great joy as she was able to see in person the lands that she learned and taught about. Reading and Sudoko allowed her mind to remain as sharp as ever. Attending the sporting events of her grandchildren Billy and Shannon became her passion as she learned the new terminology associated with Baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and finally Lacrosse. No matter the weather or location she was prepared and looked forward to the games. Surviving Donna is her husband of over 61 years Jim, son Bill, grandchildren Billy and Shannon, her brother Joel (Nancy), sister-in law Judy and nieces, Lisa, Lauren and Erika. She was pre-deceased by her parents, daughter Nancy and brother Charlie. Visitation will be Tuesday February 1st from 4 - 7 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave, Newburgh. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday February 2nd at 10:00 at Sacred Heart Church, 25 South Robinson Ave, Newburgh. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Donna's name to Kaplan Family Hospice, 1 Sunrise Lane, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Donna Rae Barker Pullar, 81, passed away suddenly on January 25, 2022 in Surfside Beach, SC. She was born on May 12, 1940 in Gouverneur, NY, the daughter of Harold and Lorraine Barker. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in a stone built one room schoolhouse in Somerville, NY. At the age of 14 her family moved to Newburgh NY, she was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. After graduation she worked at The United States Military Academy in the Department of Mechanics for Colonel Frank Borman. On October 15, 1960 she married W. James Pullar of New Windsor at Most Precious Blood Church in Walden. She became a stay-at-home Mom raising a son Bill and daughter Nancy. 16 years after graduating High School she became a freshman at SUNY New Paltz pursuing a teaching degree. She would graduate with honors and become a teacher in the Newburgh School District. Over the years she was a teacher, vice principal and finally the first female Principal at the Junior High Level in the Newburgh School District, becoming the Principal of North Junior High School. Donna was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, always lending a hand whenever needed. She volunteered many hours at Vails Gate School as her children were attending school there. She was a mainstay in the bleachers of her childrenā€™s sporting events, serving as team mother was always a given. After retirement Donna and Jim became part time residents of Florida, South Carolina and New York. She was always involved in the community no matter the location. She was a Proud member of the South Carolina and National Society Colonial Dames and the Daughters of The American Revolution. Traveling the world with Jim gave her great joy as she was able to see in person the lands that she learned and taught about. Reading and Sudoko allowed her mind to remain as sharp as ever. Attending the sporting events of her grandchildren Billy and Shannon became her passion as she learned the new terminology associated with Baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and finally Lacrosse. No matter the weather or location she was prepared and looked forward to the games. Surviving Donna is her husband of over 61 years Jim, son Bill, grandchildren Billy and Shannon, her brother Joel (Nancy), sister-in law Judy and nieces, Lisa, Lauren and Erika. She was pre-deceased by her parents, daughter Nancy and brother Charlie. Visitation will be Tuesday February 1st from 4 - 7 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave, Newburgh. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday February 2nd at 10:00 at Sacred Heart Church, 25 South Robinson Ave, Newburgh. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Donna's name to Kaplan Family Hospice, 1 Sunrise Lane, Newburgh, NY 12550.