Barbara Hallam

Barbara Hallam, 97, of New Paltz, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at home in Woodland Pond, New Paltz. Born on February 6, 1928, in Baltimore, Maryland, Barbara attended Washington College as a biology major and went on to study piano at the Peabody Conservatory of Music.

She had a lively career as a TV Producer and then moved to the magnificent Hudson Valley which would become home for the remainder of her very long life. Four perfect seasons, two magnificent mountain ranges, and endless hiking trails and pristine streams constantly rejuvenated Barbara’s senses. But more than anything, it was the beautiful birds that gave her constant pleasure. In her final days she could still enjoy watching and listening to the birds outside her window with her view of her beloved Shawangunk Mountains.

She adored her apartment at Woodland Pond, and especially all the staff. Barbara spent more than 35 years as licensed real estate broker in the region, helping hundreds of people find that perfect home and discover all the joys of the Hudson Valley. Barbara loved the outdoors, hiking, canoeing and her trips to the Cape and international travel. She was an advocate for the Catskills region, its historic hamlets, working farms, old families, new families, interesting and nice people everywhere, good restaurants and shops. Barbara was often heard to say: “Savor the journey, enjoy the destination!”

Barbara loved an ice-cold vodka martini daily without fail, and her friends are convinced this contributed to her radiant smile and her long and healthy life. And so, Barbara lived her life as she told others to do. Witty, funny, smart are just a few of the words that could be used to describe Barbara who meant so much to so many. She had a great sense of fashion and loved her hats – even keeping a note handy on just how to properly wear a beret. She loved her New York Times Crossword puzzles and would often have more than one going at a time. She had a passion for music especially Chopin. She was a lover of art and her walls were covered with a wide range of painting and illustrations representative of the diverse journey that was her life.

Barbara is survived by her son, Steve Hallam of Penn Yan, NY. She was pre-deceased by her son Douglas Hallam. Barbara will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by the many friends whose lives she touched.

Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to Mohonk Preserve. Mohonkpreserve.org Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. A tribute for Barbara can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.