Barbara L. Barden Dwyer

Barbara L. Barden Dwyer, passed peacefully in the early morning hours, at Strong Memorial Hospital, on Monday, January 19th, 2026. She was 69. All are invited to her Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls, on Wednesday, January 28th at 11 AM. Donations in her memory may be directed to St. Patrick’s Church (Parish Office) 35 Center St., Waterloo, NY 13165.

Barbara was born in Queens, NY, and lived the majority of her life in NYC and Long Island, where she worked as a mounted police officer with the NYC Police Department. Barbara had a deep love of horses, and as she followed that passion in life, it led her down the path of her life.

First came her career, which led to her meeting Neil Dwyer, the man who would make her his wife on October 26th, 1991; which then led the couple moving to the Finger Lakes in 2004 so that they could operate their own horse farm.

Barbara’s first horse she had at their farm was the horse she retired with from the NYC Police Department. Over the years there were other horses added to their stables and Barbara loved caring for them all. Outside of the horses, Barbara loved to cook. Known for her delicious comfort foods, her homemade chicken soup and chili were some of her favorites. Ever since she was a young girl, Barbara loved to be out in nature and experience the beauty of the world around her. She became an amateur photographer so that she could capture those little moments while outdoors.

Barbara had a strong Catholic faith and was a longtime member at St. Patrick’s Church in Seneca Falls. She and Neil enjoyed their church family and were especially proud of the personal chapel they built on their property. It was a true labor of love for the couple.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Neil; sister-in-law, Gina Barden; several cousins, including Courtney Peterson; best friends, Renee Paxton and Maddy Ratty; Long Island neighbors who became like family, Linda and Dan Gallante; longtime friend from the police academy, Dawn Erdy; as well as many friends that Barbara looked to as more like family. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Leonore (Nealy) Barden; and brothers, Greg and Tom Barden.