Caroline Bark, 72 of Pine Bush passed away after courageously battling a long illness on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown.
Caroline was born November 29, 1950 in Geneva NY and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Caroline (Licht) St John. She graduated from De Sales High School 68’, The Marion S Whelan School of Practical Nursing 69’, The Helene Fuld College of Nursing 72’, and Marist College becoming a Paralegal 02’. Caroline began her 50-year nursing career as an LPN at Geneva General Hospital in Geneva, NY, and as an RN at Joint Disease Hospital and St Vincent’s Medical Center in Manhattan, Arden Hill Hospital in Goshen and Orange Regional Medical Center/Garnet Medical Center in Middletown. Her many colleagues talk about her passion and skill as a nurse and numerous saw her as their mentor: an amazing hands-on leader who taught them and grew them professionally. Her passion to help patients was fully realized as an organ donor giving the gift of sight.
Caroline lit up every room she entered with her fun spirit and big personality. Affectionately known as the life of the party, she truly lived her life out loud. She enjoyed traveling to many places (though New Orleans was always a favorite!), watching true crime shows, a strong drink, spa days, eating at great restaurants, shopping, reading, gift-giving and her beloved cats. Family, friends, and colleagues remember her as a one-of-a-kind person: generous, caring, strong, someone you could count on, fun loving and hilarious! Her granddaughter Rachel recalls that Grandma Caroline always had a treat or trinket for her every single time they were together.
She is survived by her daughter Laura (Salvato) Tropp and husband Matthew of Campbell Hall, son James Salvato of Warwick, grandchildren James House of Warwick, Rachel and Ethan Tropp, sister Audrey St John of Pine Bush, sister-in-law Lisa (Carandas) St John of Buffalo, aunts “Chickie” Holt of Williamsville and Eleanor Licht of Fayetteville, soul sister Roberta Beany of Warwick, several nieces and nephew, many cousins, and Isabella her cat. She is predeceased by husband Peter, parents Joseph and Caroline (Licht) St John, and brothers Felix and Mark.
The family would like to thank her many clinicians: home care staff Kiara, Courtney, Jackie, Liz, Robin, Heather, and Laura Lee who showed unwavering commitment to provide a happy, enriched, caring, comfort focused, and protective home environment; the multitude of staff at Garnet MC over numerous hospitalizations who embraced and took care of her as she had done for many; her Physicians: Drs Adrienne Salomon, Sandeep Singh, Christopher Lau, Douglas Scherr, Alan Plumer, Anousheh Ghezel-Ayagh, Emmanuel Schenkman, Alexey Amchentsev, Wael Fakhoury and numerous hospitalists and consultants who provided exceptional care with many reflecting with her their years of working together which gave her joy.
Visitation will be held from 3-6 pm on Saturday, November 11th at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, 39 Orchard St., Walden, NY. Pastor Michael Barry will offer prayers and reflection.
A second visitation, held at McGuigan Funeral Home, 45 High St., Geneva, NY followed by interment of ashes at Brookside Cemetery, will occur in spring 24’ at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Caroline Bark, RN Nursing Scholarship Fund” @ The Garnet Health Foundation, 707 East Main Street, Middletown NY 10940 (845-333-2333).
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc.,Walden. Gridleyhoran.com