Barbara B. Heytmeijer

HAMMONDSPORT – Barbara Heytmeijer, 87, of Hammondsport, New York, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on June 30, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Barbara later moved to New Jersey, where she attended Verona High School and afterwards began her career with Westinghouse.
On December 2, 1961, she married Herman Heytmeijer, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a loving family and shared a life filled with travel, community involvement, and deep friendships. A gifted artist and an enthusiastic athlete, she enjoyed skiing, volleyball, golf, and bowling. Tennis, however, was her true passion, and she played competitively on a New Jersey league for many years. She was also an accomplished cook who found great joy in the kitchen, preparing meals for family and friends.

In 1988, Barbara and Herman moved to Hammondsport, New York, where they quickly became active members of the community. Barbara worked in the Village of Hammondsport’s Clerk’s office as well as Browsers. She enjoyed spending time swimming in Keuka Lake, relaxing on her front porch, and visiting the Glenwood Club, where Herman was a member.
Barbara treasured her friendships and loved her community, including taking care of the many village cats that visited her back porch and took shelter in her heated cat condo. She was a dedicated member of the Corning Embroiderers’ Guild of America and the Hammondsport Women’s Club, where she formed many meaningful friendships.

Barbara lived with warmth, optimism, and a constant smile, always embracing the present moment. She loved to travel and visited many countries throughout her life, developing a deep appreciation for the people and cultures she encountered. She valued her connection to Herman’s family in the Netherlands, including her sister-in-law Ingrid Van Velzen and her children. Her family is especially grateful for the kindness and support of her friends, including her dear friend, Mary Beth Lewis, who helped Barbara with appointments and helped care for her home and beloved cat, Rudy.

Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Susanne Heytmeijer Schmidt and Jeanne Heytmeijer Dunn, and by her four grandchildren. Her children will miss her deeply and will forever cherish the love, joy, and strength she brought into their lives.

The family looks forward to honoring her memory with a celebration of life this summer, with details to be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara’s memory to: Aid for Urbana Animals, c/o Ellen Shaw Maceko, PO Box 373, Hammondsport, NY 14840 or the Hammondsport Volunteer Fire Department.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Barbara’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances are welcome below, or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.