Barbara was born on March 9, 1946, in Rockville Centre, Long Island, to Howard and Edythe Ris. Soon after, Garden City, Long Island became her hometown where she graduated from Garden City High in 1964. From there Barbara attended Bradford Junior College and then Cedar Crest College. She was presented in 1963 at the Cornelia Cotillion and was a provisional member of the North Shore Junior League. Not long after, Barbara met the love of her life, Thomas Walden III in 1966 and they married on June 22, 1968.

Barbara and Tom settled in Summit, New Jersey where they raised their two children and were active members of the community. Barbara quickly became a volunteer for the Fortnightly Club, Junior League of Summit, Reeves-Reed Arboretum and Calvary Espiscopal Church. When not volunteering, Barbara often spent time baking, perfecting her gardens, needlepointing something treasured for a family member or playing golf at Baltusrol Golf Club where she and Tom were long time members and established many amazing friendships.

Lake Placid, New York, was Barbara’s home away from home. She adored her time there where she and Tom spent many months at their family lake house. Barbara enjoyed endless hours, reading on the dock, teaching her children both cross-country and downhill skiing, playing golf and entertaining friends. Her desire to give back followed her to Lake Placid, as well. She became an integral member of the Lake Placid Institute where she served on the board for eight years, diligently fundraising and organizing new and exciting opportunities for the community.

Barbara was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her kindness, strength, generosity and genuine interest in getting to know each and every person she met. Her life was a beautiful example of love, resilience, and selflessness. She is survived by her loving children, Thomas Walden IV and wife Katherine (Kate) Walden (nee Huneke) and Laura Walden Dugan and husband Brendan Dugan; her brother Bud Ris and wife Peggy Ris and their children; and her adored grandchildren: Thomas Henry Walden, Elizabeth (Tess) Jane Walden, Avery Catherine Dugan and Edythe Evelyn Dugan; and many others who loved her dearly. She was pre-deceased by her adoring husband, Thomas Walden III, and her parents, Howard Ris and Edythe Ris (nee Arenholz).

A funeral/memorial service will be held on Oct. 4, 2025 at 10 a.m., at Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit, New Jersey. All who knew and loved Barbara are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake Placid Institute, the Lake Placid Shore Owners’ Association or Adirondack Medical Center in her honor.

Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.