Barbara Rose Kalning

Barbara Rose Kalning, age 87, of Horseheads, New York, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Born in Queens, New York, Barbara moved upstate from Williston Park, Long Island, to raise her family. She was the first daughter of the late Henry Kalning and Rose (Veloz) Kalning. Barbara held a deep appreciation for her family’s roots and took great pride in her Mexican heritage, particularly the legacy of her grandparents, Epifano and Maria Alfaro Veloz. Their close-knit relationship was a cornerstone of her upbringing, and she often spoke of the warmth and love they shared, which profoundly influenced her own values and identity.

Barbara was the oldest sister of her late sisters, Elaine Cristello (Jim) and Rosemary Dooley (late George). She was the proud mother of eight children, whom she lovingly raised alongside their father, Richard S. Usack, Sr., who predeceased her. Though Barbara and Richard later went their separate ways, they shared a deep commitment to their family and remained united in their love for their children.

She is survived by her son, James (Evy) Usack, and their children, Joseph, Melissa, and Natalie (Matt); daughter, Theresa M. Usack, and her sons, Stephen and Will; son, Ryszard (Lynn) Usack, and their son, Krystopher (Jackie); daughter, Stephanie M. Usack, and her daughters, Kristina, Rachel (Byron), Hannah, and Julia; daughter, Christine M. Usack; daughter, Rose M. Usack, and her children, Manuel (Anna), Rosa (Andy), and Richie; son, Matthew (Holly) M. Usack Sr., and their children, Chelsea (Duncan), Emilee (Kyle), Lindey (Alan), Matthew, Maria, and Kayleb; son, Peter J. Usack, and his children, Audrianna, Elizabeth, Grace, and Eli; great-grandchildren, Eva, Mellie, Sadie, Max, Oliver, Myles, Peyton, Vivian, Victoria, Violet, Manny, Maiya, Laelani, Bryson, Ella, Evelyn, Charlotte, Henry, Leora, Forest and Sage.

She also held many nieces and nephews close to her heart.

Barbara graduated from Thorpe Secretarial School in NYC, which was sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill and located at 329 East 63rd Street in New York City, where she learned the skills of typing and shorthand. She was a lifelong baseball fan and a city girl at heart, never forgetting her Queens roots. She fondly remembered watching the Brooklyn Dodgers and often spoke of the thrill of seeing Jackie Robinson take the field. Later, she became a devoted Yankees fan, though she still enjoyed the occasional Mets game—especially meaningful because her best friend from Queens worked in the team’s front office. Barbara’s love for the city never faded. She often returned to New York with her children and grandchildren, sharing favorite memories, neighborhoods, and her unmistakable city spirit. Whether it was the buzz of a ballgame or a stroll through a familiar block, she found joy in connecting her past with the people she loved most.

Making the move to upstate New York, Barbara embraced a new lifestyle—learning to garden and making homemade jams and applesauce from berries her children picked or apples from her neighbors, the Matejka’s. Many of those apples came from the trees surrounding what her family lovingly referred to as “Matejka’s Pond.”

Barbara will be remembered most for her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren. Known lovingly as “Grannie,” she was a familiar and spirited presence at track and field and cross-country events across Lansing, Horseheads, and Corning—always on the sidelines, cheering with pride and enthusiasm.

But Barbara didn’t just cheer from the sidelines—she joined in. She often participated in local races with her family and was especially admired for her speed and endurance in 5K events, most notably the Puds Run in Ithaca, NY, where she became something of a local legend.

When she wasn’t running or cheering, Barbara found joy in the simple pleasures of life—gardening, spending time outdoors, and going for her morning jog at the track. She especially loved hiking the beautiful trails of upstate New York. One of her most cherished places to visit was Ludlowville Park in Lansing, where she found peace listening to the sound of the waterfalls. It was a place of quiet reflection and connection, often shared with her family, where countless walks, conversations, and memories were made.

Grannie had a warmth and way of making everyone feel at home. She always greeted you with a comforting cup of tea and kept a basket by the door filled with candy and snacks for her visitors. The entryway to her home was adorned with a wall full of photos of her grandchildren—a daily reminder of the love and pride she carried for each of us. You could often find her watching Law & Order: SVU or Blue Bloods, her keyboard nearby as she emailed friends on her WebTV or explored her passion for genealogy. She had a curious mind and a big heart, always staying connected with her many friends and loved ones in the community.

Grannie was deeply loved by her grandchildren, but her love for them ran even deeper. She shared a special bond with each of them and was a steady, loving presence—a true pillar in many of their lives.

In her later years, Barbara found a sense of home and companionship at Bethany Village, where she formed special friendships—most notably with Miss Jeter—who brought joy and light to her days.

Later in life, Barbara relocated to Albany, where she was lovingly cared for by her devoted daughter Rose, who was by her side as a steady and compassionate presence during the final five years of her life.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Hicks Cemetery in Lockwood, New York.

In honor of her memory, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in her name, Barbara Kalning, at donations@michaeljfox.org.

Private farewells will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers graciously declined.