Barbara Saba

1940 - 2021

Barbara Saba
August 1, 1940 - December 19, 2021
Boise, Idaho - Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend; Barbara Saba passed away on December 19, 2021, but her love of life and spirit of generosity will not end with her death, but be carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Born to Gladys and Edward Ehler in Brooklyn, NY on August 1, 1940, she grew up in Greenpoint. She married Anthony Saba on July 1, 1967. They remained in Brooklyn through the birth of their first child, then, after a year's interlude in St.Johnsbury, VT, they settled in Staten Island, NY, where they would raise their 4 children, and establish multiple businesses.
Devoted to creating a warm and welcoming home, Barbara created an environment her family and the neighborhood kids loved; in fact, many of those children endearingly called her "mom." While her family was young, she established an an in-home daycare center, then later founded Gold Star Video, where her focus was on helping families create an affordable, family-friendly movie night, introducing such innovations as giving out free popcorn with every rental. She viewed her employees as family, and came to know customers as friends. Ever the go-getter, she returned to school at CUNY Staten Island, earning her degree in Psychology at the age of 55, even as she ran her business and raised her family.
Despite a long and painful health crisis that caused her to rely on a scooter in her final years, Barbara refused to let life get her down. Time and again she rose above life's challenges, maintaining a beautiful home, and ensuring all knew she cared for them, even while maintaining a successful business. She would welcome — and feed —all who came her way, and she'd go out of her way to know the shut-in or the lonely, offering a helping hand wherever she could. She regularly donated to programs supporting orphans and those in need, and she volunteered with Meals on Wheels.
Barbara had a ready smile, and an infectious can-do attitude; none could help but be swept up into her activity of the moment. This lent to creating a fun and spirited environment for the ladies of the Red Hat group where she served as Queen — a group she'd helped charter.
No matter what she did, Barbara infused it with energy and a zest for life. She had a gift for letting folks know they were remembered; an avid treasure hunter, she delighted in surprising you with her latest find, which would prove to be just what you needed. There wasn't a supportive phone call she'd fail to make, or a birthday call — with song! — that she'd miss. When her youngest son, Thomas Saba, was killed in Iraq in '07, Barbara and her husband established a memorial scholarship in his name, selecting recipients based on the spirit of thoughtfulness and generosity demonstrated by the applicant — a true reflection of how Barbara lived her life, and the values she'd instilled in her lost son. She firmly believed our love is revealed in a million little kindnesses, and her life and legacy reflect just that, in myriad ways.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Anthony Saba, her daughters Laura Saba and MaryEllen Saba-Ditchkus, her son Anthony Saba, brother Jimmy Ehler, grandchildren Brandon, Christopher, Alessandra, Michael, Rylee, Anthony, and Ryan, and a number of relatives, including her dear cousin Sue Broedel.
There will be a Memorial at 9am (MTN), on March 19, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Boise, Idaho; if you cannot attend in person, you may watch the live-stream at https://olrboise.org. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the memorial scholarship established in Barbara's son's name — Barbara had been interested in growing his fund further, to better perpetuate his legacy, which is fitting, as he was her legacy. Details: Please make a check payable to Susan E. Wagner High school and note in the MEMO area: Saba Scholarship Fund. Check can be mailed to Susan E. Wagner High Schoool, 1200 Manor Road, Staten Island, NY 10314.