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Barbara Jonas Obituary
December 23, 1926 - July 27, 2021
Surfside, Florida - Barbara Gordon Jonas, age 94, died in her Surfside home on July 27th, 2021. She earned a Bachelor's from Case Western Reserve and a Masters in Psychology from Johns Hopkins before she turned 21. That same year, she married Royal Flagg Jonas, and went on to bear five children before embarking on a career path. Devoted daughter to Harry and Florence, loving sister to Jerry and Murray, and adoring wife of Royal, she is survived by her children Fred, Val, Shelley and David. She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers, and son Daniel.
Cool-tempered, affectionate, and with a razor-sharp intellect, she nurtured thousands of students in her decades-long career as a guidance counselor at Miami Beach Senior High School, where she first met Royal at a dance. A voracious reader and lifelong ally of the arts and Judaism, she worked to support Jewish culture as an active member of the congregation of Temple Beth Sholom and the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
She was modest and full of light. Ribbed by relatives for being Miami Beach's oldest living native, Barbara lived a long, full, rich life. Anchored in a strong community in Miami, as well as later in life in the Berkshires, Massachusetts, she traveled the world with her husband, children and grandchildren. She encouraged and cared for everyone lucky enough to have crossed her golden path. She never complained about setbacks and sorrows. She cherished every minute, right until the end, always seeing the good in everyone and everything. She dedicated her life to helping others. We are all blessed by her time with us. She is an angel, on earth and now in heaven.
She will be terribly missed by her children, sons- and daughters-in-law Harold, Mary and Valerie, grandchildren Alex, Becky, Hannah, Lucy, Lila, Gordon, Ariana, Eli and Emma, and great-grandchildren Tyler and Jasmine. She will also be missed by her brother- and sister-in-law Stanley and Dollie, her nephews and nieces Ivan, Pammy, Betsy, Ricky and Gary, and at the extended family whose love and care were immeasurable: Lily, Nataya and Monica.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Jonas
Susan (Otchin) Pearl
October 7, 2021
I just learned the sad news of Barbara´s passing and want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Jonas family. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of the Jonas household, which I always considered my "second home." In addition to my own incredible mother, Barbara was my earliest "role model" in life - a calm and patient voice in the midst of 5 noisy kids and their many friends! Barbara and the family have remained in my thoughts and heart throughout the many decades since those happy days.
I was not aware of Roy´s or Danny´s passing until I read Barbara´s obituary and want to take this opportunity to extend my belated condolences to Mary and the entire Jonas family. You are all in my thoughts.
Barbara Peters
August 11, 2021
To the family of Barbara Jonas.
I often recall the investment this awesome high school counselor made in my life as a student at Miami Beach High class of '78.
Mrs. Jonas, as I remember her in my mind, took the time to see that this little brown-skinned girl who was being bused to Miami Beach from Liberty City may not know what her options were for life after high school.
She met with me on more than one occasion to tell me that I had good grades and that she could help me to apply to college.
"What do you want to do?" she asked.
"Where do you want to go?
She asked me questions about the future and offered ideas about the possibilities that were bigger than the ones my family knew to think or dream.
She took the time to help us apply to the University of Miami.
Why the University of Miami, because I answered her many questions with vague responses about not wanting to be an executive secretary anymore because it seemed bad on the back.
She offered an option, "My daughter is a nurse."
I thought about it. That sounded like a reasonable idea since my sister had also gone to community college and complete her LPN certification.
She offered that University of Miami might be a place to consider since my only response to where to go to college was "any place that isn't cold."
My daughter is at the University of Miami.
She assisted me and my family in applying for scholarships and grants to attend the University of Miami from 1978-1982 with room and board.
Her efforts greatly impacted my life.
I thank her for taking the time, energy, effort and not just having good intentions.
God used Barbara Jonas to impact not only my life, but that of the people in my life today.
May her family be blessed by the seeds she planted and the fruit they bear.
Chandra Jonas
August 6, 2021
My condolences to the family. I remember her well she was caring and kind. She was my counselor at Miami Beach High. People thought we were related.
Julie Jacobs Astuto
August 4, 2021
I remember your Mom so well. While at MBSH, I was her "aide" and got to watch her in action. She was a true professional and very kind, gentle and caring. She is one of the reasons I became a counselor. My condolences to the entire family.
INES GARIN
August 4, 2021
Dear Val, Fred, Shelly and David,
I remember your mom fondly from many afternoons at your home during our high school years. My condolences to you all.
Fondly,
Ines
Anabela Cieslicki
August 4, 2021
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Jonás was my guidance counselor at Miami Beach Senior High. She always believed in her students and pushed them to succeed. She was one of a kind. You will be missed! I wish I knew you were still so close by.
Alan Marder
August 2, 2021
My condolences go out to the Jonas family, particularly to Dr. Stanley Jonas, Dollie, Andy, Ivan and Betsy. I grew up with them on Treasure Island. I understand that Royal Flagg Jonas had much to do with the development of North Bay Village. What a wonderful heritage the Jonas family have.
Ann Weiss
August 2, 2021
I spent many hours in your home as a kid. Your Mom was a gentle soul who touched the lives of many MBHS students. Fred, sorry for your loss. Sending a masked hug.
Dava Lipsky
August 2, 2021
So very sorry for your loss, but wonderful memories of your Mom will keep a smile on your faces.
Marjorie Freedman Sharloe
August 2, 2021
My "sister" friend for over 80 years.
jennifer waterman wolfley
August 1, 2021
So sorry. May her memory be a blessing. She really helped me in 1981 as I had a sad family situation and I had turned 18 in my senior year. She had arranged for a GED for me to take. She made sure I had the study guide. She sat with me for countless hours to make sure I would pass the test. She called me to tell me I had passed, she really changed the trajectory of my life. I sure hope life was good to her.
Richard Strell
July 29, 2021
I remember Ms. Jonas as a very caring, sweet person having hung out at her house as a kid. My condolences.
S Chambers
July 29, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in the memories of time shared. Never forget that God cares. May his care soothe your hearts. (1Peter5:7)
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