Barbara S Goldberg's Obituary
Perhaps you heard her tell a joke. Or you saw her dancing with Charlie, having a ‘drinkie winkie’ with Paul, or ‘clubbing’ with Ken. Heard her infectious laugh. Admired her incredible beauty. Shared a gin martini with her. Maybe you were on a committee with Barbara organizing an event for Buttonwood West (where she served as both past President and Secretary), and/or her many affiliated organizations, notably Hadassah, where she was honored as a "Woman of Valor." Did you see her ice skating in her youth or playing tennis in later years? Did you feast on her baked cakes or have a homecooked meal at her house where she graciously entertained? Did you work with her at Associated Dry Goods (the company that owned Lord & Taylor and many other nationally known fine department stores) where Barbara was a childrenswear buyer for many years? Did she show you pictures of her grandchildren and great grandchildren? If so, you knew Barbara!
Born and raised in Brighton Beach, NY, Barbara was the oldest of 5 children. Her parents were good, loving, family people. During her growing up years, a sense of pride and desire to achieve was instilled in her. Those qualities drove and carried her throughout her life. Barbara was an excellent student at Abraham Lincoln HS in Brooklyn, where she earned Arista and graduated with honors. She met her husband, Charlie, when she was 16 at a USO dance. It was love at first site. They married 3 years later when Charlie returned from the war. Barbara and Charlie raised their 3 children – Susan, Linda, and Roy - in Flushing, Queens. They were married for 54 years when Charlie passed. Early in the marriage, Barbara was active in her community. She was a housekeeper extraordinaire and excellent cook who relished being a mother. After 16 years of domesticity, Barbara entered the business world as an executive secretary, then on to become a buyer for 14 years, traveling the world. Her successes grew and her department prospered. When Charlie retired, they relocated to Lake Worth, FL to be near Barbara’s mother. First in an apartment, they later moved to a home where she resided for over 32 years. Barbara had serious breast cancer during this time but never let it stop her! After Charlie’s death, she met Paul, who became her loving other half for 13 years. She grew attached to his beautiful family and upon Paul’s passing inherited more children – Madeline and Buddy whom she adored. And then came Ken, her faithful companion until her death. He was there for her every step of the way.
Barbara was very patriotic and loved her country. She was ever prideful of the contributions and sacrifices her family made serving America. Her husband was a B-24 gunner in WWII and flew combat missions over Germany. Her father David was in the Navy, stationed in the Philippines during WWII. At that time, having 4 children exempted men from service, yet he still chose to serve his country. Her brother Jack, a Marine, fought in Korea and her brother Neil (USAF) in Vietnam. Her son Roy was a career officer in the USAF for 21 years and then served the Dept of Defense for 14 years. Granddaughter Dana proudly served 7 years in the USAF.
During her 35 years in south FL, Barbara made many new friends and enjoyed her games. Yet she always maintained close contact with her ‘besties’ from ‘the hood’ - dating back 7 decades. But perhaps her dearest friend was her sister Marylin. Though distance separated her from family in the later years, Barbara played a formative role in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. When visiting, she devoted her time to them and they have the fondest memories. They adored her. She was truly an unforgettable presence, the life of the party, full of energy, and painfully honest. Everyone sought her advice – shame on you if you didn’t take it, as she usually turned out to be right! She is the woman you would want in your foxhole. She will be sorely missed.
Barbara is survived by her children Susan, Linda, and Roy. Grandchildren Doug (Trish), Tracy (Vincent), Kaylee (Seth), and Dana. Son in law Jay. Sandy. Great grandchildren Ella, Adam, Charlie, Vincent, and Salem. Sister Marylin. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A service* will be held for Barbara on Sunday, September 5th at 10:00 AM at:
Palm Beach Memorial Funeral Home
3691 N Seacrest Blvd
Lantana, FL 33462
561-249-4265
*A Zoom link will be available on this site: https://www.shiva.com/join-viewneral?jc=10000:UGMiXjLN47JHCx/KkEps84CM7B6QnEaV:Flpnt9HB8Bvzpog80i7kRw==:9R6YQXs6+1P++/hJgJ1Lbg==
If you care to make a donation in Barbara’s memory:
Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach County – tel # 310-553-9036
Hadassah – www.Hadassah.org tel # 800-928-0685
Simon Wiesenthal Foundation – www.wiesenthal.com tel # 800-900-9036
Or to the charity of your choice.
Please check back for photos at funeral time.
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