Barbara June (Bishop) Moroch McManus passed away peacefully on March 13th, surrounded by her family.

Barbara was born on August 24,1943, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Harland and  Helen (Mitchelson) Bishop. At a young age, her family relocated to Cortland, New York,  where she attended public schools.

In high school, she was in the National Honors Society and active in numerous clubs and organizations, holding several leadership and editorial roles. She later enrolled at SUNY Cortland, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a major in Social Studies, and pursued postgraduate studies at Hunter College in New York City. After graduating, Barbara traveled extensively throughout Europe on her own, embracing her curiosity and deep love of history.

After working for several years in the New York State Legislature, Barbara settled in Yonkers, New York, where she began raising her family with her husband, James Moroch. During this time, she was deeply involved in her community, where she always volunteered where help was needed. Barbara spent time with the Margaret Pike Dancing School, assisting with productions and creating costumes. She, along with her daughters performed in numerous shows.

Barbara later started an office services business from her home in Yonkers and continued operating it after moving to Hastings-on-Hudson in 1980. As her business grew, she recognized a community need for personalized desktop publishing.

In 1986, she opened The Office Ink in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. She operated the small-town business for 22 years, providing printing, typing, copying, and fax services to local residents. As technology evolved, Barbara combined digital services with creativity, producing personalized calendars, mugs, t-shirts, and other custom items. She was known for supporting the community by frequently offering services at a discounted rate or even free of charge.

Barbara was a dedicated member of any community in which she lived. She was active in the Hastings Historical Society from the 1980’s up until 2020 as a trustee and co-editor of the Historian and was President from 1989 to 1992. She championed the village’s oral history project, working to document the stories of longtime residents. She was often quoted in The New York Times as a voice for the village’s close-knit character. Barbara was an integral member of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and served as President from 1995 to 1997 and was also a member and President of the Rotary Club. All her contributions to the town were recognized by Mayor Lee Kinnally, Jr by proclaiming Monday, September 8th “Barbara McManus Day” in the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.

Barbara was an avid reader who loved documentaries, Jeopardy!, and Antiques Roadshow.  She enjoyed attending tag sales in search of unique and antique items and was very familiar with eBay, often offering consignment services to customers through her shop. Barbara enjoyed playing cards, board games, gambling, traveling and laughing with her sister, Ann and her brother-in-law John, and always up for going to a good movie with a friend, especially on New Years Eve! She absolutely savored time with her family, particularly summer vacations at the Jersey shore.

Barbara will be remembered as a witty, independent and intelligent woman, a dedicated business owner, and a prominent community member who cared deeply about preserving the character of wherever she lived. Above all, she loved her daughters, grandchildren, grand-doggies and treasured anytime spent together with family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her five daughters: Jennifer Fara, Michele Moroch; Kimberly (Kevin) O’Connell; Kelly (Mike) Duffy; and Jill McManus, 9 grandchildren: James, Genevieve, Braeden, Maggie, Tommy, Michael, Ryan, Erin, and Sean; and her beloved grand-doggies, Colby, Hope, Calie & Adelle. She is also survived by her former spouse, James Moroch; sister-in-law Maureen Moroch; brothers-in-law Thomas (Dawn) Moroch and John (Ann) Eden; and nephews Douglas (Kristin) Eden and Scott Eden and their children.

Barbara was predeceased by her loving sister and best friend, Ann (John) Bishop, and her former spouse, Jay McManus.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25th from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Hastings Historical Society, 407 Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706. Please make checks payable to “Hastings Historical Society.”