Barbara Lavery

Barbara Elizabeth Conte Lavery a 38-year resident of the Villages of Pelham Manor and Pelham passed away on Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 after a brief illness.

A graduate of Fordham University, she also studied at the Actors Theatre in Louisville, KY. She studied under the tutelage of Joseph Anthony, Uta Hagen, Harold Clurman and Robert Lewis. She worked at New Rochelle Academy, Elizabeth Seton College (acting and directing) and was the Director of Student Activities and Campus Cultural Events at Iona College from 1985 – 1997. From 1997-2010, Barbara was the Managing Director of the Bendhein Performing Arts Center at the JCC of Mid Westchester, where she curated art exhibits and promoted programs. She was also the Executive Producer of the docudrama film Farewell to My Country (2002).

Barbara was an actress, singer, director, producer, manager and educator. She appeared throughout New York City, Westchester, Louisville, KY and Indiana in numerous productions including: Prisoner of Second Avenue, Bye Bye Birdie, Three Penny Opera, Oliver and numerous Shakespearean productions. Her last acting performance was in Wendy Wasserstein's Third (2009), as Laurie Jameson directed by Roderick Nash.

She leaves behind her beloved daughter Cathryn, her brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Donna Conte, her sister, Janice Conte Green and her nieces and nephew Allison Green, Samantha Green and Gregory Conte. She is predeceased by her parents Dr. Alexander J. Conte and Frances M. Conte of Pelham Manor.

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held at the Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Ave, Pelham, New York on Monday, December 21st from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, December 22, 10:00 AM at St. Catharine's Church, 25 Second Avenue, Pelham, New York. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association and the ASPCA.