Barbara Remson

Full Name: Barbara Remson
Date of Death: Sunday, July 13, 2025
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Barbara Remson. Barbara was a beloved wife to the late Dr. Norman Remson, cherished mother to daughter Nina and her wife, Kathryn, and to son Scott. She was precious Aunt B to her nieces and nephew and many cousins and extended family and grandmother to Melissa.
Barbara was born to Samuel and Rose Fensterstock on January 25, 1938. She was the middle of three children with older sister Anita and younger brother Stuart. Barbara grew up in Forest Hills, NY and then Fair Lawn, NJ, where she completed High School. Sam was a lawyer and Rose was a concert pianist. Barbara followed in her mother's musical footsteps and attended Julliard School of Music where she studied opera. Barbara was a bit torn because she also loved to dance and had been offered a ballet scholarship, but the opera was her passion.
That may be how Norman caught her eye. Barbara and Norman met at an opera workshop. Norman became Barbara's biggest fan. They had a storybook romance and married in 1963. Barbara performed in many operas in multiple languages, including Italian, Spanish, French and German. She had leading roles as a Coloratura Soprano in several operas including La Traviata, Rigoletto and Lucia di Lammermoor. Barbara was also well known for her concerts featuring Broadway music.
Barbara took a sabbatical from the music world to have her two children, Nina, born in 1966 and Scott born in 1969. Barbara was an amazing mom, there for every school and sporting event and extracurricular activity imaginable. Several years later, Barbara
returned to the stage while the children were in grade school. Norman would bring Nina to the opera as his "plus one" to see mom perform. Barbara's children, especially her son, Scott, inherited her musical talent. Barbara brought art and beauty into the home with Japanese art and butterfly sculptures adorning the walls and music filling the air. Norman's untimely demise brought not only agonizing sorrow but also financial havoc onto the family. Barbara rallied and secured full-time employment while Nina was in college and Scott still in high school. Barbara sacrificed and persevered for her children and to keep the family home.
Despite her grieving Norman, Barbara managed to find happiness. She loved Salsa dancing in Union City, going to concerts with her friends Mary and Elizabeth, and spending time with family. If there was a baby in the room, that was like a shot of adrenaline for Barbara. Barbara loved being around kids, her own, the cousins, neighbors for whom "Aunt B" babysat including Jade. At the holidays, Barbara would spend hours making her famous potato pancakes. Fortunately, Nina was able to secure the secret recipe – from the side of the Manischewitz box.
Barbara loved all animals, especially cats, and collected anything with butterflies. Barbara was always put together with her hair and makeup done even if she was in pain with her arthritis. Barbara had her wits and a quick wit at that, until the end. She always had time for good advice and could school you on the latest from Rachel Maddow. She was always ready to give to Wounded Warriors, ASPCA and others, even if she didn't have much. Barbara was a true diva – beautiful inside and out. Barbara passed on July 13, 2025 with her children at her bedside. She was 87.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Friends of the Glen Rock Arboretum, Inc.