Barbara "Barb" Brown Van Graafeiland

Barbara ("Barb") Brown Van Graafeiland

January 7, 1941 – September 24, 2026

Barbara "Barb" Brown Van Graafeiland, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on January 7, 1941, in Rochester, New York, to Frederick Brown and Ruth Zweigle Brown.

Barb was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Frederick "Rob" Brown, Timothy Brown; and her sisters, Sheila Brown, Patricia Fowler and Virginia "Ginny" Van Graafeiland.

She is survived by her children, Todd Van Graafeiland, Lauren Paul, and Jay Van Graafeiland; her cherished grandson, Brandon Paul; her brother, Terry Brown of Chicago, Illinois and Richard "Butch" Brown (Lindsay); and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Barb was married to Alan Van Graafeiland, and although their marriage ended in divorce, they shared the gift of raising a family together.

For many years, Barb worked at the Rochester Telephone Company, where she built lasting friendships and earned the respect of colleagues through her hard work and dedication. She later worked at Nazareth College before enjoying her retirement.

Retirement allowed Barb to dedicate herself to one of her greatest passions: helping others. She was an avid volunteer at Monroe Community Hospital's thrift shop, where she found great joy in discovering old jewelry, carefully cleaning and restoring it, and making it available for residents to enjoy. She believed that every item, like every person, deserved another chance to shine.

Barb found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved thrift shopping, reading biographies, indulging in anything chocolate, and enjoying a cigarette while catching up with friends or family. She had a remarkable eye for hidden treasures and a genuine appreciation for people's stories.

Those who knew Barb knew her generosity had no limits. She would gladly give the shirt off her back to someone in need. In any room she entered, she instinctively sought out the quiet person sitting alone, striking up a conversation and making them feel welcome, valued, and seen. Her kindness was never loud or attention-seeking; it was simply who she was.

Though she was not an active member of the Catholic Church, Barb's faith remained an important part of her life. Every night she prayed for her family, friends, and countless others. If you are reading this obituary, there is a good chance that Barb prayed for you, too.

Barb's family will remember her for her generous heart, unwavering compassion, and ability to make people feel loved and included. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched through her kindness, friendship, and quiet acts of service.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 8th at 2:00PM at Faircraft Brauhaus located in The Old American Can Factory, 25 Parce Ave, Suite 100, Fairport, NY 14450.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barb's memory to Monroe Community Hospital to support the residents and programs she cared so deeply about: https://www.monroehosp.org/support.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.