Barbara Lynn Surloff

Barbara Lynn Surloff passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 76. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sylvia and Karl Surloff and Shirley Surloff Weinstein, and her brother, Dr. Stewart Surloff. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory many family members, including her sister-in-law, Mimi Surloff; her nieces and nephews, Shelby and Michael Detrick, and Abby and Michael Wright; and her great-nieces and great-nephew, Isabella and Gracie Wright and Mason and Stella Detrick. Barbara was also loved dearly by her stepfamily, the Schwartz's, and many friends and colleagues from her 45 years in Arizona. We will be honoring Barbara's memory at a Memorial Service on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 pm, followed by a small reception at Temple Israel, 91 Springside Drive. Shiva will be on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7 pm at 4096 Meadowcreek Lane 44321. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to ACT I - OPENING SCENE:Barbara Lynn Surloff was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 3, 1948 to Karl and Sylvia Surloff. Her parents moved with her shortly thereafter to Cleveland, OH, where they raised Barbara and her only brother, Stewart, who was 3 years her junior. Barbara had a happy childhood and graduated Brush High School in 1966, and went on to receive her B.A. in Music and Education from Ohio State University in 1971. Sadly, her mother Sylvia passed in 1970, at the young age of 51 from cancer. Barb's teaching career of over 30+ years, had just begun by teaching 1 year at a middle school, followed by 6 years at Glenville High School, a large inner-city school in Cleveland. INTERMISSION: After 7 years of teaching in OH, Barbara took a year off to live in New York City to feel the lights of Broadway, and worked in the jewelry industry to support herself. ACT II: SCENE I The following year, 1979, would bring her to Phoenix, AZ as an English teacher at Deer Valley Junior High School. Barbara was then hired as part of the original educational staff, to open Deer Valley High School in 1980. She designed the DV Performing Arts Center with the district's architect at the time, which became a model for many newer high school PAC's in the valley. Sadly, again, these new and exciting years in her career were offset by the loss of her father when she was 32 years old. Barb often said her happiest years of teaching were at Deer Valley High School, 1980-2001. It was during these years that many friendships were forged with her teaching associates, and her mentorship to young students would plant seeds and bear fruit for many years to come. She had many gifts and talents, but the one's she loved sharing most were here love of the Theatre arts. Her Drama students would learn everything from the history of it, to building sets, lighting, special effects, makeup, writing, the various occupations in the theatre industry and of course how to act. She produced and directed 3 shows per year: Fall, Winter, and the Spring Musicals. In addition, Barb taught 7 periods a day, created two field trips per year for her students to experience live theatre in Los Angeles. In the 90's she added trips to NYC for Broadway shows, and even coordinated the DV Marching Band's trip to NYC for their appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She was a Student Government Advisor, Thespian Club Advisor, on various boards and committees, and often a mentor, friend, and part-time counselor to thousands of high school students. She had a keen ability to see young adults at all ends of the spectrum for what they needed most. Those that acted out in class often needed direction and a purpose; or those who would often be over-looked or quietly hide in the background, she would strive to give them the confidence & courage to try new things. She was known for her creative reprimands in class, and the occasional practical jokes to break tension during productions. SCENE II: Barbara's summers and vacation time were spent traveling to OH to be with her brother Stuart, sister-in-law Mimi, her nieces, great-nieces, step-mother Shirley, and maternal and paternal cousins. She was almost always there for the month of "July Birthday's" which were numerous; and family trips to Italy, Israel, and NYC, were among some of her most treasured memories. Tragically, in 2001, at the close of these happy years in teaching, Barb's beloved brother Stuart, (age 50) also passed away from cancer. ACT III In 2001-2003 the DV District Administration pressured Barb to leave her beloved DVHS, and take a position as Vice Principal at the newly built Sandra Day O'Connor High School which was experiencing difficulty with behavioral and policy compliance at many levels. This would prove to be her most challenging, and least favorite position, but one for which she had acquired the skills and knowledge base of state laws and district policy over the past 20 years needed to accomplish the task. She chose to retire early after 32 years of teaching and administration in 2003. Her former students celebrated her retirement and 55th birthday by throwing her a creative costume bash, reprising old roles, songs, and lifting their "Drama Queen's" spirits once again. ACT IV:2003-2025: Never one to sit idle for long, Barbara helped to begin the Starlight Theatre Group in Anthem, AZ, and produced & directed several more shows with them. She enjoyed singing in local chorale's at the holidays, and continued to travel and visit with friends & family whenever possible. In the last chapter of her career, Barb became a part-time Hearing Officer for the Deer Valley and Dysart Unified School Districts. She was responsible for hearing and reviewing the facts from both sides of some of the most truant, disruptive, difficult, and increasingly dangerous cases of student behavior. Over the past 20 years she was many students last lifeline between temporary suspension, and permanent expulsion. When asked, "How does one find a safe school for their kids?" She replied, the drugs and problems are everywhere and at every level. The best thing you can do is to love your kids! Stay involved in their lives, know their friends, and their friend's families. Be present, keep them busy, but also share quality time with them. Build positive communities and pray and hope for the best. CURTAIN COMING DOWN: Barbara endured a great deal of personal trials in her last 5-7 years of life. Multiple surgeries, a hit-and-run car accident that almost killed her, infections, and extended therapy stays made one begin to think her life was beginning to read like a chapter straight out of the Book of Job. On January 26, 2025, after her most recent and very difficult surgery, she told a friend, "I think I've almost used up my 9 lives." It is with sad, yet grateful hearts, that we now honor the passing of this great lady, our "Drama Mamma", our beloved friend, Barbara L. Surloff on February 17, 2025. Like her precious butterflies, she has flown to the other side of the veil, and we wish her and her family eternal rest and peace in God's loving hands.