Dr. Barbara Doan Streitfeld, 89, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, in West Hartford, Connecticut. A formidable intellect with a vibrant spirit, Barbara lived a life defined by curiosity, conviction, and compassion.
Born on May 19, 1936, in Alton, Illinois, Barbara was the daughter of General L.L. Doan, a decorated World War II hero. As the child of a military officer, she experienced a nomadic childhood, moving 20 times before the age of 15. After the war, her father was stationed in Germany, where Barbara—at just 18—took on the responsibility of managing his household and hosting dignitaries from both American and European military circles. These early experiences shaped her lifelong talent for hospitality and her confidence in navigating complex social and professional environments.
Barbara pursued her academic passions with distinction. She earned her undergraduate degree from William and Mary College, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Chi Delta Phi and in recognition of her scholarly excellence. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Hartford and later completed her Ph.D. in Bio-psychology at the University of Connecticut.
Her professional career spanned three decades at the University of Hartford. An esteemed faculty member, she taught psychology with dedication and vigor until her retirement in 1998. At the College of Basic Studies, Barbara inspired generations of students to become curious learners who took ownership of their education. Beyond the classroom, she was an influential voice in university governance, serving in leadership roles on both the Faculty Senate and the Faculty Welfare Committee among many other committees. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Barbara was known for standing firm in advocacy for faculty rights and sound academic policy.
Barbara's personal life was equally rich and dynamic. She married Dr. Julian Streitfeld, who predeceased her in 1993. Together they built a blended family that brought joy and meaning to her life.
She is survived by her daughter Diana Messier and son-in-law Jim Messier; her son John Stout; granddaughter Elyse Klaren and Elyse's husband Zach Klaren; grandson Kyle Messier; and great-granddaughters Rue Klaren and Murphy Klaren. She is lovingly remembered John and Diana's half-sister, Jennifer Stout as well as by stepsons Mark Streitfeld and Russel Streitfeld.
Barbara's interests were as wide-ranging as they were passionate. A skilled seamstress who once made her own Chanel suits in the 1960s, she also enjoyed knitting, needlepoint, oil painting, organic gardening, playing bridge, skiing, and tennis at the Granby Tennis Club. Her love for music often found expression at gatherings where she played standards on piano or ukulele for sing-alongs with friends and family.
In Granby during the early 1960s, Barbara became active in town politics and later founded a local book club that thrived under her guidance. Her flair for entertaining was legendary—she kept meticulous index cards cataloging every party she hosted throughout the '60s and '70s, complete with guest lists, menus, and even records of alcohol consumed.
Barbara's personality was marked by intelligence and a wonderfully dry sense of humor inherited from her father and appreciated by all. She valued authenticity above all else and never hesitated to speak her mind—yet beneath that candor lay deep kindness and empathy. Friends and colleagues knew her as someone who would always lend a helping hand or offer thoughtful counsel when needed.
She leaves behind not only a legacy of academic achievement but also countless memories shared over dinner tables, garden paths, tennis courts, and spirited conversations. Her stories—often hilarious and always insightful—will echo warmly among those fortunate enough to have known her. A gathering of remembrance celebrating Barbara's life will be held at a later date.
Dr. Barbara Doan Streitfeld will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Born on May 19, 1936, in Alton, Illinois, Barbara was the daughter of General L.L. Doan, a decorated World War II hero. As the child of a military officer, she experienced a nomadic childhood, moving 20 times before the age of 15. After the war, her father was stationed in Germany, where Barbara—at just 18—took on the responsibility of managing his household and hosting dignitaries from both American and European military circles. These early experiences shaped her lifelong talent for hospitality and her confidence in navigating complex social and professional environments.
Barbara pursued her academic passions with distinction. She earned her undergraduate degree from William and Mary College, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Chi Delta Phi and in recognition of her scholarly excellence. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Hartford and later completed her Ph.D. in Bio-psychology at the University of Connecticut.
Her professional career spanned three decades at the University of Hartford. An esteemed faculty member, she taught psychology with dedication and vigor until her retirement in 1998. At the College of Basic Studies, Barbara inspired generations of students to become curious learners who took ownership of their education. Beyond the classroom, she was an influential voice in university governance, serving in leadership roles on both the Faculty Senate and the Faculty Welfare Committee among many other committees. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Barbara was known for standing firm in advocacy for faculty rights and sound academic policy.
Barbara's personal life was equally rich and dynamic. She married Dr. Julian Streitfeld, who predeceased her in 1993. Together they built a blended family that brought joy and meaning to her life.
She is survived by her daughter Diana Messier and son-in-law Jim Messier; her son John Stout; granddaughter Elyse Klaren and Elyse's husband Zach Klaren; grandson Kyle Messier; and great-granddaughters Rue Klaren and Murphy Klaren. She is lovingly remembered John and Diana's half-sister, Jennifer Stout as well as by stepsons Mark Streitfeld and Russel Streitfeld.
Barbara's interests were as wide-ranging as they were passionate. A skilled seamstress who once made her own Chanel suits in the 1960s, she also enjoyed knitting, needlepoint, oil painting, organic gardening, playing bridge, skiing, and tennis at the Granby Tennis Club. Her love for music often found expression at gatherings where she played standards on piano or ukulele for sing-alongs with friends and family.
In Granby during the early 1960s, Barbara became active in town politics and later founded a local book club that thrived under her guidance. Her flair for entertaining was legendary—she kept meticulous index cards cataloging every party she hosted throughout the '60s and '70s, complete with guest lists, menus, and even records of alcohol consumed.
Barbara's personality was marked by intelligence and a wonderfully dry sense of humor inherited from her father and appreciated by all. She valued authenticity above all else and never hesitated to speak her mind—yet beneath that candor lay deep kindness and empathy. Friends and colleagues knew her as someone who would always lend a helping hand or offer thoughtful counsel when needed.
She leaves behind not only a legacy of academic achievement but also countless memories shared over dinner tables, garden paths, tennis courts, and spirited conversations. Her stories—often hilarious and always insightful—will echo warmly among those fortunate enough to have known her. A gathering of remembrance celebrating Barbara's life will be held at a later date.
Dr. Barbara Doan Streitfeld will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
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