• Cordell, Barbara C. (Vayo); of Hamburg, NY, passed away on July 13th, 2026. Barbara is survived by three daughters Kelly (Steven) Nigrelli, Lisa (Andy) Sharp, and Jennifer (Denis Flanagan) Stoddard and a stepson Geoff (Denise) Cordell; her grandchildren Ryanne (Miles) DiMillo, Riley, Logan, and Jack Sharp, Dylan and Quinn Heine, McKenna and Devyn Stoddard, Alex and Matthew Cordell; her great grandchildren Nash, Lawson, and Palmer DiMillo and Owen Nigrelli; and her brothers Charlie, Tom, Mike, Steve, and John Vayo. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Cecelia (Hanks) Vayo.
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• How do we sum up our mother’s life? Barb meant something special to so many people, whether they knew her through book club, her Orchard Park High School friends, work, basket-weaving, or one of the many other parts of her life.

  She adored books, music, and the Buffalo Bills. She also found regular joy in mahjong, puzzles, General Hospital, road trips, and making just about any kind of spreadsheet she could think of. When she became interested in something, she was all in.

  Our Mom was a woman guided by her love for crafts. When we were young, she would sew us clothes, matching dresses in particular. After working at a plant store, she filled her own home with plants that she cared for and loved. She painted Santa figurines for each of her daughters and grandchildren—creating treasured keepsakes that will remain in the family for years to come. She also became an accomplished basket-weaver, traveling to conventions around the country and making new friends along the way. Her baskets are now cherished reminders of her creativity and dedication to craft.

  One Christmas, she knitted every one of her family members a beanie hat, which we all wore for the rest of the night. That was Mom: when she decided to do something for her family, she did it for everyone. She played no favorites. She individualized her love for each of us so wonderfully.

  Books were a lifelong passion. As a girl, she once skipped school so she could finish “Gone with the Wind.” Her collection only grew during the years she worked at Barnes & Noble. She passed her adoration for reading onto many of her daughters and grandchildren.

  She also loved to travel, especially by car. She was happiest on a road trip with her music playing and her little Honda pointed toward her next destination. Even within the past year, she looked forward to driving 11 hours on her own. Her independence was important to her, and she held onto it tightly.

  Barb’s strength was shaped by the losses she experienced throughout her life. She lost her father at a young age and later endured the loss of her husband. She also shared a lifelong history with her brothers, Charlie, Tom, Mike, Steve and John. Through grief and hardship, she continued moving forward with courage, determination, and a sense of humor. She never stopped finding new interests, forming friendships, supporting her family, or loving life on her own terms.

  Her grandchildren (and great grandchildren) held a particularly special place in her heart. She made each of them feel seen and valued, often telling them exactly what made them unique and special to her. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported their interests, and went out of her way to give advice or support them during times of need. She was a steady guidepost in their lives, and they will always know how deeply she loved and believed in them.

  Mom also had strong political opinions, as anyone who knew her could confirm. She wrote postcards, attended rallies, and was never shy about sharing her thoughts online. It didn’t matter who agreed with her; she was steadfast in her beliefs.

  Our mom was fiercely independent, strong, stubborn, opinionated, smart, funny, occasionally inappropriate in the best way, resilient, and deeply loving. She never lost her curiosity for life or the devotion to the people she loved.

  Barb will be deeply missed, but the stories, laughter, traditions, and memories she gave us all will remain. Always loved and forever remembered. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 24th from 4 to 8 PM at the F E Brown Sons Funeral Home, 6575 E. Quaker Street, Orchard Park, NY, where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 25th at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, donations in Barb's memory may be made to Hospice Foundation Buffalo; https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/give-get-involved/donate-now