Barbara J. Christy, a longtime UB employee and former president of the university’s CSEA chapter, died April 22 at home after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was 84.

Born and raised in Amherst, the former Barbara J. Dewey graduated from Amherst Central High School in 1948.

She joined the UB staff in 1967, working in both clerical and management positions in the Interdisciplinary Degree Program and in Human Resources.

She also served as a coordinator for UB’s Employee Assistance Program.

Christy was grievance chair and president of Civil Service Employees Association Local 602 from 1981-89, and remained active in union activities after her retirement.

She first retired in 1994, but came back part time and worked until 2007.

Christy was an avid sportswoman, teaching her three sons — who she raised on her own for many years — how to play baseball. She was the first woman coach in the Joe McCarthy Little League.

An animal lover from an early age, her pride and joy during her later years were her standard poodle, Magic, and corgi, Jazz.

A private family service will be held later.