Barbara Carol Federer

My first memory of Barbara was when she was my high school English teacher. Later, she was my colleague when I taught high school English along with her. We shared many laughs in the English department office over the years. The other night she popped into my mind and I decided to google her and see what she was doing now. I found this obituary. I was so sorry to hear of her passing.

Miss Federer was my English teacher at South Plainfield (New Jersey) High School More than 50 years later I still think of her whenever I hear or see the words "childish" and "childlike." She was teaching a lesson on connotation and began by asking "What do childish and childlike mean?" and one of my fellow students started in a on a long wind explanation. Miss Federer subtly rolled her eyes and pointedly, but not meanly, said "They both mean "like a child" and went on to explain the different connotation of each. I could share other memories of her but they all add up to her being no- nonsense, to the point, and, most important, correct about English usage. Thank you, Miss Federer. You made me a better communicator.

(In my previous post, I missed the mistake I made regarding the year. I had Miss F. 1969-1970). Also, she prepped us for the SAT's and I know many of us did better on them thanks to her.
My dad drove by her at school one morning and said good morning to her. She asked me in class if he had a brother.
The world's a little darker without you, Miss F. I hope you know how much you did for your students and how grateful we are.

Mrs. Federer was my English teacher at South Plainfield High School during the 1967-68 school year. To this day, when I use certain words, memories of her class and her lessons about the English language immediately come to mind. I loved her class. I hope it comforts her family and friends to know that who she was and what she taught lives on in the minds and hearts of her former students. May she rest in peace. Karen Eadie Altman

Ms Ferderer is etched into my formative experience as one of the major forces that shaped me. She made me aware of the power "Correct English usage" had in how one was able to communicate. Multiply my experience by her 30 years in education and one can begin to appreciate her impact on so many lives. A Life Lived That Positively Affected So Many Others!

I had Barbara Federer in 1973-74, my junior year in high school. Her opinion meant everything to me, I never worked so hard as I did in her class. I went on to a B.A. in voice, an M.M. in voice performance and pedagogy, and a diploma in computer programming. She remained the best teacher I ever had, bar none. Now I live in Eustis and I am kicking myself for not going to see her. Rest in peace, Miss F. You were the best.

Condolences to her family. She was my English teacher in high school and I will always remember her. She was a tough teacher but I learned a lot from her. May she rest in peace.

Had her as a teacher! She was the best and helped me a lot

Barbara was a great teacher and an incredible mentor. I only worked with her for a couple of years when I first started teaching, but she really influenced me. I have employed the lessons she taught me for the past 32 years. She was a wonderful woman who made a far greater impact on people´s lives than she realized. May she rest in peace.
Love,
Alissa Pecora

I miss you so much my sister...we're the last of the family...

I miss you so much Barbara...you were my protector and guide growing up...rest in peace my sister.