Barbara M. Cisek McGarvey

Barbara M. Cisek McGarvey, 84, of Van, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca after a brief illness.

Barbara was born in Buffalo, New York on May 22, 1939, the only child of William W. Hezel and Kathryn M. (Towlson) Hezel. Both of her parents preceded her passing.

Barbara attended Cleveland Hill Elementary and graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1956. She spent much of her early working life in public service in various positions in her hometown of Cheektowaga, New York.

Barbara was married to Richard J. Cisek who preceded her in death on October 3, 1984 and then to C. Neal McGarvey who preceded her in death on November 28, 1995.

In August of 1977, Barbara moved with her husband and two young boys from Buffalo, to a 110-acre farm in Van, Pennsylvania. Barbara acclimated well to her new life in rural western Pennsylvania. She raised award-winning Black and Yellow American Labrador Retrievers for forty-five years and lovingly placed puppies with families all over the country. Over the years, Barbara also dabbled in raising Simmental Cattle, horses, pigs, goats, geese and ducks.

Barbara loved living on her farm where she maintained her independence until her passing. Her family credits her love of her animals for her long well-lived life. Caring for her dogs became her passion and during her two serious encounters with cancer, they provided her with the will to persevere.

Despite her move to black and gold country, Barbara remained a lifelong ardent supporter of the Buffalo Bills.

Barbara is survived by her son, Richard J. Cisek and his wife, Paisley Schade, of San Francisco and Attorney William J. Cisek and his wife, Jennifer, of Franklin. She is also survived by her grandson, Will, of Franklin and granddaughter, Eden, of Seattle. In addition, she is survived by her three Labrador Retrievers, Bo, Kitty, and Leia, her Maine Coon cat, Tory and her second cat Purrcilla.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 am in St. Joseph Church in Oil City.

Interment will be in Georgeville Cemetery.

In Barbara’s memory, please consider supporting Precious Paws Animal Rescue, PO Box 784, Franklin, PA 16323 www.pparfranklin.com or The Kirkland Cancer Foundation, PO Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323 www.kirklandcancerfoundation.org

To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com