Obituary of Barbara J. Million

.Barbara Jean Decker Million, 88, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023 at Elderwood of Uihlein in Lake Placid, NY after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on December 12, 1934 near Philadelphia, Barbara moved to the Hudson Valley as a child and graduated from Kerhonkson High School. After earning a B.A. in Home Economics from Syracuse University in 1956, she returned to Kerhonkson with her soon-to-be husband John "Mickey" Million, where they settled into what would be 57 years of marriage, family, high school football, and a full life of educating the youth of Rondout Valley. Barb always had a passion for learning and after her two boys, John and Chris, were in school, she achieved a master's degree in Education from SUNY New Paltz and began a career in teaching. Starting as a remedial reading teacher, Barb progressed to helping establish the first pre-K classes, then became a Head Teacher, Assistant Principal, and ultimately Principal, working in Accord, Kerhonkson, Marbletown, and Rosendale Elementary Schools over the years. A colleague once remarked that Barb was "a brilliant educator, who cared deeply about each and every student she worked with". While Mickey was coaching the RV Ganders, Barb became a fixture in the booster club, organizing many events and fundraisers to support a variety of teams. She was also very active in the teacher's union, was an excellent cook on non-game nights, and enjoyed many years in a bowling league with friends. She often shared her love of education with her family, coordinating weekly trips to the local library and many family vacations to historic sites. After retirement, the Millions traveled around the country in an RV, always accompanied by one of a string of faithful golden retrievers: Shonny, Clancy, Ginger, and Kelly. Eventually they settled in the small resort town of River Ranch, FL and developed a great community of friends. Barb loved her dogs, enjoyed music, reading mysteries, and solving crossword puzzles. She picked up golf and was a natural, soon joining Mickey on the course and playing in both women's and co-ed leagues. Sadly, Alzheimer's began to take its hold on Barb and the couple moved north to Saranac Lake, NY to be closer to family. Mickey was a devoted caregiver until his death in 2014 and the family thanks the dedicated staffs of Saranac Village at Will Rogers, Champlain Valley Senior Community, and Elderwood of Uhleiin at Lake Placid for their kind compassion and care of Barbara throughout her later years. Barbara was the daughter of Edward and Ellen (Mahony) Decker. She is survived by her sons John Million Jr. and his wife Katie of Minnetonka, MN, and Christopher of San Francisco, CA. Barb was predeceased by her husband John "Mickey" Million in 2014. Barb's final wishes were for no calling hours or services, but those seeking to honor her memory may make donations in her name to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society at 255 George Lapan Memorial Hwy, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 or www.trilakehumanesociety.org. The M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements and friends and relatives are invited to share a memory or leave online condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.