Barbara E. Kochan, 87

Barbara Elaine (Edson) Kochan, an employee with the Diocese of Albany for 50 years, died Dec. 6, at the age of 87.
Kochan was born on Oct. 7, 1933, in Ticonderoga to Fay and Elizabeth (Osier) Edson. She spent her childhood on a small farm before her family moved to Albany in the 1940s.

On Jan. 8, 1955, she married Joseph A. Kochan and had four children. Kochan spent her time as a homemaker before working as a bookkeeper for the Diocese of Albany, where she dedicated many years. Kochan was a caring, independent and honest woman who always put the needs of her family and friends first. Lovingly remembered as Mom, Baba, Grandma, Grandma with the Cookies, and Great-Grandma, her door was always open to visitors and she was ready to host at a moment’s notice. The most memorable event she hosted was the yearly family Christmas Eve party, a family tradition that included many laughs and new matching pajamas for everyone each year. She was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany and her faith guided her life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents: Fay G. Edson and Elizabeth A. (Osier) Edson; her husband, Joseph A. Kochan, and her son, Stephen J. Kochan. She is survived by her children: Joseph M. Kochan and his former wife, Nancy, James L. Kochan, and his wife, Diane, and Mary B. (Kochan) Stewart and her husband, Scott; grandchildren: Christine (Kochan) Zeigler and her husband, Andrew, Jordan Stewart and his wife, Ashleigh, Steven Kochan and his wife, Mary, Amanda Kochan, Justin Stewart, Tricia (Stewart) Muscato and her husband, Matthew, and Julie Kochan; great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Luke, Charleigh and Alexis; brothers: Ronald G. Edson, Richard F. Edson; sister: Joan E. (Edson) Doherty; and cousin: Lorraine Bailey. A private funeral service for immediate family will be held at her request.