Peru, NY - Barbara Copeland Perry passed away peacefully on Feb. 5th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with cancer and kidney disease. The love of her life, her husband Roy Edwin Perry (93), her daughter Jennifer Kristen Perry Shingelo (56), her son, Jason Colin Perry (54), and her sister, Nancy Copeland Hughes were at her bedside at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, N.Y., when she left her earthly life to begin her next adventure.

Barbara lived life joyfully and to the fullest. She was known for her beautiful smile, her kindness, her love of science and nature, and her dedication to her family and large circle of friends. She shared this love of science with many students over her 35 years of teaching to middle and high school students in the towns of Peru, Westport, and Plattsburgh, N.Y.

She retired from teaching life science at Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on June 24, 1998, having inspired many future scientists/doctors/teachers. She was most proud of her student-produced projects such as the "Cell-a-Vision" (YouTube link) video where students played parts of cells in soap opera and game show scenarios. Her students' LIFEFX music video (1996) about protein synthesis made its way to the head of the Human Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health. She was subsequently invited to the National Genetics Conference in June 1996 to screen it for attendees as an example of an innovative way to teach science to middle and high schoolers.

Barbara was born to George Rogers Copeland and Ruth Foljambe Copeland, MD, in Ticonderoga, N.Y., on June 21, 1942. She was valedictorian of her Peru Central High School class in 1960, and went on to graduate from the University of Rochester with a bachelor's in Biology in 1964. She worked in cancer research at Roswell Park in Rochester, N.Y., before returning to the North Country to receive her master's degree in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1968.

Barbara met Roy Perry in 1966 and they fell in love while skiing at Whiteface Mountain, sailing on Lake Champlain, and enjoying other outdoor activities in the Adirondacks. They married in the Peru Community Church on June 17, 1967. The Perry family were active members of the Peru Community Church, where they contributed greatly to church life and its members. Barbara was still in regular attendance up until her death.

Service and spiritual growth were integral to Barbara's life. After retirement, she volunteered her time with the local NAMI chapter (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) by giving workshops for people living with mental health challenges. Barbara lived with bipolar disorder herself, and she courageously used her life lessons to help others with similar challenges. She turned what could have been a reason for giving up on life into a life-affirming service to others and their families. Barbara also went on to become a Presbyterian lay preacher and spent several years preaching in churches all over Clinton County, sharing her wisdom and strength with her community.

After her diagnosis with stage IV ovarian cancer in 2017, Barbara took it on as a new learning opportunity for herself and stayed positive throughout her difficult treatments. She made many new friends among her treatment providers, and often astonished her doctors with her longevity and quality of life against the odds. Most recently, Barbara found great healing from participating in the FitzPatrick Cancer Center's Nature-Based Approach to Living Beyond Cancer which facilitated walks and horticultural therapy at Point au Roche State Park. Friends from this group as well as from her Women's Circle were loved and appreciated.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Roy E. Perry of Peru, N.Y., her two children, Jennifer Perry Shingelo, son-in-law, Ronnie Shingelo, and granddaughter, Chloe Shingelo of Pearl River, N.Y.; as well as her son, Jason Perry and daughter-in-law Susie Weller, of Athens, Ga. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Copeland Hughes and brother-in-law Robert Hughes, who reside in their childhood home in Valcour, N.Y., as well many loving nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her two elder brothers, James R. Copeland and Edmund S. Copeland.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on what would be her 84th birthday, on June 21st, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Peru Community Church in Peru, N.Y. A reception will follow in the church's Fellowship Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations to NAMI or the FitzPatrick Cancer Center at CVPH are welcomed.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Barb Perry please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com