Barbara Marie Verrone (née Bateman) 84, of Mt. Kisco, New York and Conifer, Colorado passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the Methodist Home in the Bronx.  

Barbara was born on May 5, 1936, in Jersey City, NJ, the daughter of John and Kay (Moran) Bateman. 

She was raised in West Orange, NJ. She graduated at the top of her class from West Orange High School and earned a scholarship to attend college.  She married Robert Verrone and raised two children, Samantha and David Verrone.  Following a divorce years later, as many women did, Barbara resumed her education, earning a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Pace University, graduating summa cum laude in 1982.  Over the years, she worked for NBC and Bradbury Press before a 22 year career with Pepsi where she rose from a junior accountant to the facility finance manager of their headquarters in Somers, NY.  

Upon retirement, Barbara moved to the Rocky Mountains where she could pursue her love of sport and the great outdoors.  Barbara was an avid tennis player and competitive dressage equestrian. An avid sports fan, she loved cheering on her grandchildren at the fields in New York and Massachusetts.  She loved animals and volunteered her time and home to rescue dogs and horses. She was a talented seamstress and knitter.  She also loved gardening and square dancing. She was a thoughtful friend to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  She became “Aunt Bugsie” and “Grandma Bugsie” to her nieces and grandchildren and was always smiling and laughing in their presence.  

Surviving Barbara are her sister Susan von Roedern, Golden, CO, daughter, Samantha Verrone (Jonathan Genkin) Bronx NY, and son, David Verrone (Marcy) Mendon, Massachusetts, grandchildren, Aaron and Sofie Somoroff,  Reuben Genkin and Matthew and John Verrone, nieces Gabriella, Meredith (Larry Natke) and Christina (Jan) von Roedern and grand nephews Calvin Natke, Theo and Oliver von Roedern. Barbara is predeceased by her beloved brother-in-law, Bolko von Roedern.

Barbara's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Methodist Home, especially Phyllis Hibbert, her hospice caregiver these last five months, for all of their kindness, care and compassion during a most difficult time. 

Due to the current pandemic conditions, a memorial service will be postponed. Arrangements are with Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, Bronx, NY.  Barbara was a longtime volunteer and supporter of Harmony Horseworks, founded by her dear friend, Barbara Wright. Horses were her touchstone and grounded her in a unique way. Remembrances in her name may be sent to Harmony Horseworks at https://equilibrium.vistaprintdigital.com