Barbara Birnbaum passed away on Jan. 3. She was born on July 12, 1933, to Abraham and Pearl Mann (z”l) and had one brother, Milton Mann (z”l).
She was a quiet, strong and dedicated woman. She was a devoted daughter, supportive sister, loving wife, mother and grandmother and a true friend.
Having married young and had two children in her early 20s, one could say she was quickly thrust into the role of matriarch. She made sure family connections stayed strong with the grandparents and took on the responsibilities of extended family holiday celebrations and meals as well. She did this quietly, without fanfare, and with little-to-no help, all because it mattered to her to give her family a solid foundation on which to grow from.
Barbara worked from home before it was “a thing,” making paper-punched tapes on sizable typesetting machines to be used for various companies’ mailings. She ran the house, doing everything to keep it running smoothly, as well as the bookkeeping for her husband’s business.
Barbara kept her family grounded in Judaism, helping to give them a sense of who they were by making Sunday school, Hebrew school, b’nai mitzvah and participation in Jewish youth groups a priority. One could say Barbara was the pillar of a foundation — the most important one of all, family.
Barbara had a rich life together with her husband, Bernard (z”l), full of friends, cards, a bit of travel and a lot of family time. However, her role as “Bubba” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was her most prized and treasured vocation.
Barbara turned 92, had her 74th wedding anniversary and lost her beloved husband Bernard all within one week this past July. With great resolve, she was there for her husband throughout life and by his side until the very end.
Barbara leaves behind her devoted daughter, Patti Friedman (Gary Friedman (z”l)); caring son, Bruce Birnbaum (Jeanette Leissler); adored granddaughter, Melissa Friedman; treasured grandson, Bradley Friedman and his wife, Taly, and their two cherished children, great-grandsons Emmett and Remy.
The family gives immense thanks to Rachel and the amazing caregivers at the SeniorCare home where Barbara lived as well as the wonderful staff of Ascend Hospice.
Zichrona L’vracha. May Barbara’s memory be a source of comfort, connection and inspiration for years and generations to come.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider Congregation Beth Shalom or a charity of your choice. Graveside services were on Jan. 6 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
