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Barbara Rieger Obituary

Barbara Rieger, 67, a native of Yonkers, N.Y., died peacefully Sunday, Aug, 12, 2007, in her own California-King four-poster bed.

She was adamantly opposed to an obituary. (pause for ironic chuckle) In death, as in life, her six loving children have ignored her wishes.

She is survived by Donald (Karen) Kahn Jr., and their children Megan and Katie; Christopher (K.C.) Kahn; Kathryn (Kevin) Devaney, and Vivien, Bridget, CeCe and Rory; Michelanne (Rick) DuBois, and Kelsey, Sean, Makayla and Garner; Karen (David) Kahn-Pearson; Teressa (Matt) Kahn-Lowery.

An adored mother, grandmother, and educator, Barbara also cherished her long-time association with her sisters of the International Women's Organization '" Beta Sigma Phi. She had been a member since 1962.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at Gramma Barb's house. Attire with colors (no fewer than 5) requested.

A memorial Mass will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, at St. Joseph's High School.

To make a donation to one of her preferred charities please contact: Chapter Preceptor Nu Epsilon at 3470 Broad St., San Luis Obipso, CA 93401.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Aug. 17, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Rieger

Sponsored by Barb's children, who love and miss her very much.

31 Entries

Rae Rylander

April 7, 2011

Barbara and I were best friends in grammar school in Yonkers, NY. We went to different high scools and after we graduated, we lost touch. I have been trying for years to find her and now, sadly, I think I have. I had so many good times at her house with her Grandma Grady. We lived on Huber Place about three houses from each other. I am soooo sorry that we didn't connect as adults. The last time I saw her, she just arrived on my doorstep in Yonkers and we picked up where we left off so many years before. Keep connected with people you love, life is too precious and too short. My deepest sympathy to all Barbara's children. Rae Hudson Rylander([email protected])

Carol Zarek

October 29, 2007

I taught with Barbara at St. Joseph and car pooled with her as well. She had a wonderful, wicked sense of humor combined with a deep Irish faith that helped me through some dark moments . Soon it will be All SAINTS DAY and Barbara will shine like the star she is. She often spoke of her children's accomplishments and her grandchildren, Her light will shine on them. Peace and blessings, Carol Zarek

Diana Lowery

August 28, 2007

What an inspiration Barbara was to one and all. The memorial was an excellent display of love within her family and friends throughout the community.

Kahn Kids & Grandkids - your Mother (GB) is very proud of each and every one of you.

Don Kahn

August 22, 2007

To family and friends:

My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you during these very difficult days.

Rest in Peace, Barbara.

Don

To my children:

You did a wonderful job in memorializing your Mom. I know that she would be proud, appreciative and filled with love for all of you.

Much love,

Dad

Dottie Lambert

August 22, 2007

Thanks Barb for the memories! I will always cherish our fun times together during the past 35 years in Beta Sigma Phi - "I Am Thy Sister" and I will miss you dearly. Mispah: "May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one from the other." God Bless your beautiful, talented family, they were so special to you and we all loved them as well. Luv Ya Barb!

Dottie Lambert

August 22, 2007

Megan Stiles

August 22, 2007

I can only say after that beautiful memorial service at Barbara's home on Tuesday, that it has given me much to aspire for as a person, and as a mother. If I am half of what she was, I will consider myself fortunate, indeed. I only wish I could have known her better; it seems I could have learned much from her about how to better mother my own kids. You guys were blessed, but I don't have to tell you that. Bless you all.

Ruth Houlihan

August 22, 2007

Barbara and I worked together at SJHS and had a special tie as we both graduated from St.Barnabas HS in New York. I was 4 years ahead of her. She was a wonderful person, who loved her family and life, and lived it to the fullest. She was Auntie Mame from the "git go"; her love of color, laughter, and friends made her special. My sincerest condolences. She will be missed. Barbara was also a great cheerleader to me in my recent illness--sending cards and talking on the phone.
Ruth Houlihan

Andrea Martinez-Stevens

August 22, 2007

Johnny and I send our love to you all during this difficult time. Barbara must have been an incredible woman; she certainly has an impressive fan-club.

I met her only one time while she was visiting her daughter, Terri, in Utah (Terri is my sister-in-law). At the time, Barbara was reading a book that I had recently read. I absolutely enjoyed my conversation with her about the plot and characters. Isn't it amazing how just one conversation with her left such a lasting impression? I wish I knew her secret to being such an extraordinary person.

And her children will carry on her legacy. Cheers to Barbara!

Cody Teixeira

August 21, 2007

Well, Mrs Rieger we never always agreed on our political views, or the Yankees, but you were the best history teacher that I have had the chance to be taught by. The SJHS family will miss you.

Kathy Rebhan

August 19, 2007

It is so difficult accept the loss of such an incredible woman in our of our lives.

I have had the honor of calling Barbara my friend for the past nearly thirty years. She raised six spectacular children--they are all talented, creative, bright and gifted because she was their mother. (She told me to say that)

Barb was my sister, my friend and my mother all rolled up into one exceptional person, not to be duplicated by anyone I have ever known in my lifetime. Throughout the past years, I cannot count how many time she made me laugh. We had so many good times together. (She still has half of San Luis Obispo thinking the twelve foot long portrait of the naked lady over the bar at McLintock's was her in her younger years.)

Barb, we will find it difficult to go on without you, but will find comfort in knowing you will always be there in our hearts. You have left an indelible mark on all of us that knew and loved you.

Your friend forever,
Kathy Rebhan, Garret 'n Gabe

Marelene, Joe, Joseph and Savanna Daoust

August 18, 2007

We are so sad that Barbara is not with us anymore,yet so happy that we were able to visit with her recently at Michael and Terry's play,Jeckell and Hyde.I have alot of fond memories of Barbara and the Kahn kids, and I cherish them. We all give your family our love and deep regret at your mom's passing. We wish we could be with you but are out of town all next week. Much love, Marelene, Joe, Joseph and Savanna

Makayla DuBois

August 18, 2007

Reading all of these only underlines for me what an amazing person my Grandma was, and still is in my heart. I love her so much, and clearly I am not the only one...not by a long shot. We miss you already Gramma Barb, and we always will. You have touched the lives of so many people that is shocks me. God must have needed you up there for some very important reason, he doesn't take amazing people like you for no reason at all. You will be in our hearts and on our minds every day until we meet again.

I love you Gramma, I miss you.

Diane and Dan Berg

August 18, 2007

We lost a very special person in Barbara; a friend and a mentor…

Dan and I worked for Barbara while we were going to Cal Poly (many years ago). Barb was generous, loving and caring. She was one of the most intelligent and hard working woman we have ever had the extreme pleasure of knowing. We formed a deep friendship, lasting for over 27 years. Not having Barb in our life leaves a big hole.

We can not express how deep our sorrow is, at the much too early, passing of this incredible lady. In our frequent travels to Morro Bay we would have Barbara over to share with our family and friends. During these times we always had lively discussions that included family, religion, politics and dreams i.e. everything. Barbara would brighten up the room with her laughter and smile. We loved her so.

Donnie, Chris, Kathy, Michelanne, Karen and Terri and your loving families…our hearts go out to you and your loss.

With love,

Dan, Diane and Danielle Berg

Michelanne (Kahn) DuBois

August 18, 2007

Thank you one and all for sharing your thoughts and wonderful memories. I'm so happy to know that the rest of the world knew what a great lady my mom was. She will be missed. Adios, Mamasita.

Frank Guido

August 17, 2007

God must have needed another Yankee fan in heaven. I will miss the relationship and friendship we had defending the Yankees against the Yankee haters at St. Joe's

Teressa (Kahn) Lowery

August 17, 2007

my mommy was the most amazing woman i have ever or will ever know. a heart too big for her body and a sense of humor that could not be matched, i feel blessed to have had such an amazing role model. i am so grateful for the outreach of this community and the love that has been shown to our mommy and to our family. thank you to all, from the bottom of my heart. i love you, mommy. you are with me...always and forever.

Phyllis Sabo

August 17, 2007

"We do not know the day or hour"! My shock has been overwelming since I heard of Barbara's passing. How she loved her kids and we shared so much about each of you. I worked with Barbara for nine years at SJHS and she was always a "mentor" for me. We promised each other this summer that we would definately get together for lunch before school resumed. It never happened and now I will have to wait until we see each other in heaven. Thanks Barb, for all the support and encouragement you gave me during our working years together. Enjoy your much deserved reward. Who needs Social Security? My Love, Phyllis

Karen (Kaza) Kahn Pearson

August 17, 2007

I will miss my mommy very much. And it is ridiculously clear how much she will be missed by others. The outpouring of love and support is abundant. Thank you to all.

Carol Ripp

August 17, 2007

What a shock when I saw today's obituaries, but so very glad you kids defied her wishes and did that great obit! I saw her at Angels Youth Baseball games many years ago, also in Campfire Girls meetings. I last saw her Easter Sunday morning at Mass; she looked great as always. I will always remember her great smile and laughter. You kids are truly blessed to have had her as your mother. Rest in peace, Barbara!

Melanie Johe

August 17, 2007

So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. Always a delight, she had that mischievous glint in her eye and such a great laugh. I have such fond memories of babysitting her kids and playing at her house when I was young. She will be missed.

Jennifer Patton

August 17, 2007

Rest in peace Mrs. Rieger. You were always a tough but fair woman who will be missed by all the students you touched while teaching.

Emmett Winters

August 17, 2007

THankyou Mrs. Rieger beging there. I know we have had our difficult times but towards the end everything worked out just fine. When we visited you last December seeing your face light up was the best thing in the world.

Julie Souza Vallejo

August 17, 2007

Being one of the Souza's, I always referred to Barbara as Mrs. Kahn, finally addressing her as Barbara long after reaching adulthood.

The Kahn's lived across the street from our family on Kentwood until after Michelanne was born. My sisters and I used to babysit the kids. There was always a fridge full of amazing food which made the 50 cents/hour just a little more enticing.

I always loved Barbara's giggle and animated expressions and how she would lower her voice and draw you into a conversation making you feel you were the only important person at the time...even while her eyes were sure to spot all else that was going on around her.

Having moved away from SLO nearly 20 years ago and rarely seeing Barbara, I feel privileged and blessed to have spent time with her following Terri's recent theatre performance. It was a great surprise to see her there and it felt as if no years had passed as we gabbed and laughed...she even looked like she'd barely aged in 2 decades.

I'm very happy to know that Barb and my mom will be laughing together again in heaven. Have a ball, ladies!

Eric George

August 17, 2007

I was also a student of Mrs.Rieger at St.Joseph High School. Of all the many things Mrs.Rieger did for myself and others I could always count on her to put a smile on my face everyday, she was always there for you no matter what and that is what made her such a great person.

Juliette Humphries

August 17, 2007

Mom Definitely would have loved this! Her memory and legacy will live on forever.

Tori Reccord

August 17, 2007

I was a student of Mrs. Rieger's and this news was shocking, but I'm glad she passed peacefully.
She was an amazing lady even though I made fun of her undying love for the Yankees almost everyday. She was always there as a teacher and as a friend...and the most important thing she ever taught me was that 10 hugs a day will keep you healthy.

She will always hold a special place in the St. Joseph High School community and her bright and cheerful personality and attire will always be remembered.

Love you, Mrs. Rieger!

Katy Ekegren

August 17, 2007

Dear Kahn Kids-

Bright colors! That is exactly the image I have of your mom when I think about her! What a perfect tribute.

Megan Stiles

August 17, 2007

Mrs. Rieger...we will miss you! Taylor will be wearing an "R" on his baseball cap in your honor next year at OSU. Thank you for being a part of our lives!

Erin Rieger

August 17, 2007

Oh my goodness - that obit is perfect! I love it and she would've too.

It is nice to laugh that loud. I'm sure that is getting many comments and reactions.

She will always be in my heart - loved forever and never forgotten.

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