Barbara T. Hyde, daughter of Frederick and Helen Tousley, died at her home Tuesday April 25th on Lake Kiwassa surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Saranac Lake Barb traces her roots back to one the first settlers, Pliney Miller.

Born November 16, 1924, Barb attended and graduated Saranac Lake High School in 1942 continuing her education at Middlebury College, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1946. She then returned home to assist her father in running the family business as he struggled with polio.

After World War II Philmore J. Hyde from Grand Rapids MI moved to our area. Shortly afterward he met, courted and married Barbara. The next decades were spent raising their 4 children as well as running many businesses including Hyde Fuel. Both continued to be very involved in our community, Sunday School, 4-H and Rotary horse shows to name a few.

Next came a well-deserved retirement which saw Barb and Phil spending winters in Florida or discovering the country in their motor home. They often travelled with friends and met many along the way. Summers were at their lovely camp on Lake Kiwassa with family and their friends. After Phil’s death in 2001 Barb returned and took up winter residence at Will Rogers. As she often said “a safe, secure, comfortable place staffed and populated by the nicest people”

Between family, work, friends, travelling, boating and living in what she considered the best place in the world, Barb had a full, rich life. She had many well told stories bringing the rich history of our area to life with a wonderful sense of humor and grace. She especially loved all the great dogs, cats and yes, even the horses.

She is survived by her son George and Gretchen Hyde of Winter Park, FL, daughter Ann and Mark Weller, son Tom and Marlene Hyde, daughter Pat and Russ Carnell all from Saranac Lake as well as three grandchildren, Becky Weller of Estes Park, CO, Greg Weller of Clifton Park NY and Tousley Hyde of Tampa, FL.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Barb’s family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday April 28, 2017 at Saranac Village at Will Rogers Great Room. Burial will take place in Pine Ridge Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to remember Barb are asked to please make a contribution to their favorite local charity in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara T. Hyde (Tousley), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.