Barbara Ann Orcutt (Bennett)
Born on April 17, 1934 in Oneonta, New YorkPassed on January 28, 2026 in Palm Bay, Florida
Barbara Ann Orcutt (Bennett) passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida.
She was born on April 17, 1934, in Oneonta, New York, to Gordan Bennett and Thelma Belle (Castle). During her elementary school years, she moved with her mother and sisters to Elmira, New York. It was there, in middle school, that she met the love of her life, Jimmy. They married on her 17th birthday and went on to build a beautiful life together. In 1962, they moved to Liverpool, New York, where they raised their two children, Richard and Wendy.
Barbara worked for the Girl Scout Council for several years and was known for her warm, heartfelt hugs—the kind that lasted long enough to make sure you felt truly loved. She devoted herself completely to her family. Whether it was babysitting, attending sporting events and dance recitals, camping, boating, going to the beach, playing games, crafting, or taking long walks, she embraced anything her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren wanted to do. What mattered most to her was being together.
She cherished family reunions with her Elmira family at Watkins Glen, New York, and looked forward to them every year. To all who knew her, she was a strong, loving, kind, and deeply caring woman. She and Jim shared nearly 70 years of marriage before his passing in 2021.
As her granddaughter Bobbi beautifully wrote, “I’m so thankful for the promise of heaven,” and “Papa, I think we took great care of her since you’ve been gone. It’s your and Jesus’s turn now.”
Barbara is survived by her sisters Joan Allen and Connie Hurley; her son Richard (Kathy) Orcutt; her daughter Wendy (Gary) Grabowski; her grandchildren Bobbi (Matt), Billy (Trasilla), Nathan (Brittney), Tim (Susan), and Tami (David); and her great grandchildren Jackson, Levi, Aria, Duke, Easton, Camryn, Callie, Brandon, Blake, Lexi, Aubrey, Trent, Brenna, and one great-great granddaughter Katalina. She is also remembered with so much love by many nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the William Childs Hospice House for their exceptional care during her time there.
A celebration of life will be held in both Florida and New York at a later date.
