Barbara Barr Obituary
BARBARA D. DENT
Age 56, of Curtisville, West Deer Twp., on Saturday, October 30, 2004, wife of Russell A. Barr. Mrs. Barr was a retired elementary teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools with 30 years service where she taught in various schools including Philip Murray, Northview Heights & Vann. She was a 1966 graduate of Oakland Catholic High School & a 1970 graduate of IUP. She enjoyed saddlebred horses. She was actively involved in the American Hackney Association, American Horse Show Association & a member of Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. At Mrs. Barr's request all services, visitation & burial were private. Arrangements by SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Rd., Russellton, West Deer Twp.
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Ronya Mahaffey
August 14, 2021
Mrs. Barr was my 3rd grade teacher at Northview Heights Elementary School during the early 80s. I remember all of my teachers very well, but Mrs. Barr especially. Now that I am a grown woman in her 40s I find myself reflecting on my life quite a bit, and Mrs. Barr has come to mind countless times over the years-- but last night was especially vivid for some odd reason.
A memory of her came to mind again today during a conversation I was having with a friend about Halloween, and I decided that was it, and I wanted to try to contact her. I did a Google search and as I had initially feared, I learned of her passing nearly 17 years ago, and realized that I would never get the opportunity to tell her how much she inspired me, and to thank her for the role she played in laying the foundation for the woman I would become.
She had a fierce reputation among the students and when I met her I immediately understood why. It was the first day of class and all of us were a bit riled up from summer break, and we were oblivious to our surroundings--- just talking and joking around--but apparently Mrs. Barr had been trying to get our attention. Now I don’t remember her raising her voice beyond was is generally an acceptable decimal level for an indoor conversation, but somehow her voice seemed to find its way over the top of the chatter of bickering children, and we suddenly simultaneously all heard in a cool tone “And one thing you don’t do is talk when I am talking”. We all sat frozen with these blank looks on our faces. You could have heard a pin drop in that classroom, and right then and there Mrs. Barr set the tone for the rest of the school year with that single utterance.
Mrs. Barr was tough but she was fair---and thinking back she was much more than that. She was exceptional. She introduced us to classical music—Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Berlioz (too I think). She would play this for us during our math lessons. I HATED math, but not in her class. The music seemed to drown out the chaos in my mind so I was able to understand the examples and find solutions much easier. To this day I play those composers when I have to write requirements for a new software development project or whenever I’m thinking through a solution.
I remember she would always catch me day dreaming---how she just knew exactly when to look up every so often and shake me out of my daze I can still hear her voice softly callingRonya-- and just like that I was back. Once she kept me behind after class—I don’t think it was a punishment or maybe it was. But I remember it was raining pretty hard after she dismissed me, and she pulled up alongside me in her car as I was walking home and she offered me a ride. On the drive down Mt. Pleasant Road, she gave me a good talking to, and I remember her telling me that I needed to study harder if I wanted to be Top Student. I remember her wavy dark brown shoulder length hair and her jeans. She wore jeans and boots a lot.
Another one of my most vivid memories was when she threw us the Be All End All of Halloween parties. I remember she was dressed as a traditional Witch complete with green face, pitch black gown and hat with kettle & broom. She looked incredible—and she never broke character that entire day. She was terrifying!!! I had so much fun! She played the Monster Mash on the record player with other celebrated Halloween tunes. And the TREATS—they were EVERYTHING.
I wanted her to know how much she mattered to me and that I turned out OK—that I am someone she could be proud of. I am so grateful to have had this incredible woman as my teacher. She could’ve taught anywhere in the world, but she chose to teach poor black children in an underserved community. She chose to teach ME. If I live to be 100 I will never forget her. I wanted to find her today to tell her thank you, and that I love her.
Ronya
D Law
November 15, 2004
Russell, you have my deepest sympathy. We have lost a wonderful person. I known Barb for over 25 years, we had many of good times at Northview Heights Elementary and riding horses together. She taught me to do ceramics. Barb loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She was a true friend. hopefully she is waiting for us at a better place. I will miss her.
Lorraine Bertha
November 11, 2004
I first met Barb 9 years ago through my friend and hers, Lynn Englehardt. The first impression I made must've been good because she invited me to her house parties, though this was the first year I could make it. My first impression of her was that she was "neat" meaning different, and I LOVE different. I'd see her on occassion when I was with Lynn and that first impression I had of her never left me. When she was diagnosed with cancer, my heart ached for her, knowing what she'd have to go through. My mom went through the same type of cancer in 1989 , and THANK GOD is a survivor. I prayed that Barb too would be a survivor, but God must've needed a good teacher for His children and party planner for the adults. Bless you, Barb! And Russell, I'm so sorry for your loss. God Bless!
Betty Stewart
November 11, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Russell & all who knew Barb. She brought a lot of laughter to Murray School. A ring-leader of capers, but all in fun.
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Sharon Schurman
November 11, 2004
We started at Philip Murray together many years ago. We shared many good times and laughs. I will always remember your story about the kid who wanted to know who the hell was going to run or jump today during your 2nd grade reading lesson. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Helen Culhane
November 10, 2004
August of '72, I met Barb at New Teacher Orientation at Mindeo School. She gave me a ride to town making it so much easier for me to get home. Then I would see her at Union meetings through the years. My next real encounter was in Aug. of '96 when she returned to Murray as a permanent Sub and was a member of my team. No matter what I asked of her I knew she would be willing to help. Everytime I see an old Volkswagon bus she comes into my thoughts since this is what she drove in '72. I know she will be greatly missed. Russ, you are in my prayers.
Mary Ballerini
November 8, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Russell, family and friends of Barb. I have many good memories of our time at Philip Murray and the great parties Barb could put together.
Love Mary
Cathy Dorsner
November 8, 2004
You wouldn't think it would be so hard to write about somone who was your best friend for 45 years but I find myself a little numb and lost for words. I can't imagine my life without Barb in it.
Fortunately, I have a zillion memories and I cherish them all... especially the ones she summed up best with her famous toast..."here's to all the things that seemed like a good idea at the time!" She sure made my life interesting.
About 2 weeks before she passed away we talked about what might be on the other side. I told her I wasn't sure where she was going but I asked her to save me a seat...she assured me she would...she'll be the one with the party hat.
Kathie Martin
November 8, 2004
I met Barb through her love for horses. We shared the same passion for the American Saddlebred horse. I became extremely close to Barb when she was diagnosed with cancer. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever met a more amazing person in my life. She never gave up hope, she lived her life to the fullest and she was still able to find humor in her circumstances. Knowing Barb has made me a better person. Her spirit will continue to live on in all of us who knew and loved her.
I will never forget you my dear friend and when my time comes I know you will be waiting to greet me at the end of the Rainbow Bridge. Heaven has another "Special Angel".
When Abbie hits the show ring this year I know you will be watching over her and cheering her on.
Thank you for be being my friend. I was truly blessed to know you.
Gone but never forgotten.
Love,
Kathie, Abbie & "Ginger Spice"
Laura, Barry, and Logan Green
November 7, 2004
It was a pleasure to know Barb these past years as a fellow horse person and friend at Riverview Valley Stable and the many horse shows we attended over the years. Her sense of humor and wit always added to the fun we had at the shows. Barb always had a way of seeing the world for what it really was. She will be truly missed by our family. Again it was an honor and privelege to call her our friend.
We will miss you!!!
Laura, Barry, Logan, and Lady
Mary Jackson
November 7, 2004
A great lady with a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed by her many friends.
Lyn Engelhardt
November 7, 2004
"Let the winds of time blow over my head, I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead."
BB, Barb, LaTA1, you sang it, you shouted it, you lived it! When the diagnosis was made four years ago, you slumped for a short while, cried a few tears, and then got on with the business of LIFE! Truly amazing, but not surprising to anyone who knew Barb. Since 1972 when we took that first ride around the village as new teachers at Murray, we passed notes classroom to classroom, fortified ourselves on Fridays after work, sunned at the beach and the pool,laughed together, cried together,shopped till we dropped, and cruised those islands in the sun in legendary LaTA fashion, livin'on island time! BB's quotes left you thinking, her laugh set you howling, her wit could be caustic but you always knew her heart was HUGE. Barbie, some of it's magic, and some of it's tragic, but you had a good life all the way. Rest now in God's peace. Lyn, Lynnie, LaTA3
It's been a lovely cruise
I'm sorry it's ended
It's sad but it's true
Honey it's been a lovely cruise
These moments we're left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
There's wind in our hair
And there's water in our shoes
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise
These moments we're left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
And those harbor lights
Aw they're coming into view
We bid our farewell much too soon
So drink it up
This one's for you
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise
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