Barbara Zheng Obituary
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Jacob Post-Chin
January 6, 2025
I never really met Barbara. I live in Newton, and I have many friends who did. They were all heartbroken and sad, I'm sure if Barbara was here right now she could make them feel better.
Roselyn Yu
December 24, 2024
I met Barbie when I was 6. She was one of my first friends at Angier. In the 8+ years of our friendship, she was always sweet and never judged anyone. Throughout elementary school, we would do nearly everything together. Barbie knew every little detail about me; my Hogwarts house, the boy I´d plot on, or something that I wouldn´t even notice myself. When 6th grade started, we rarely were able to interact in person due to not having classes together. We also started to share different interest and clash into separate cliques. However, we still remained close friends by talking online, of course. She always made an effort to make sure I was okay and would be there when I needed someone to talk to. She would never spill your secrets no matter what. She was incredibly intelligent as well; academically or not. I remember she had an extraordinary talent for writing in those stories we wrote in elementary; which had also carried on in middle school. She´d always be able to make a unique plot just from the top of her head. We could be dragons shooting poison out of our claws in the middle of a war; wizards at Hogwarts striking our wands; secret agents hiding behind their identities; or really, just anything. During middle school, I started talking more about boys. If anything, that was probably the only thing I´d talk about. Of course, that must have been annoying. But even for that, she never seemed to get fed up with my delusional thoughts. She´d always be open to listen, believe it or not, if I´d mention the same story about the same boy again and again. As I look back, I think of now I could have spent more time with her. I will forever cherish the memories we made. In fact, I´m glad I talked to her about boys. Now I can recall all the times she´d laugh at my stories or made jokes about how I´m "too good for them". Regardless, I wish that I could´ve asked her more about herself rather then myself. She has made such a great impact on my life; even if she isn´t here right now. She´s been and helped me through all my hardships. Shes seen me grow as a person, in every individual way possible. She´s been and helped me through all my hardships. I felt as if she was the only person who could truly understand me more than myself. She was like my sister. I know we would be best friends in every universe. Unfortunately in this universe, she could only stay my best friend in this world for so long. I hope Barbie is looking down at me in her paradise, clapping at me for my accomplishments. Your life was so dear to me. In another universe, I´ll see you again, Barbie.
With so, so, so much love,
-Roselyn Yu (Rose)
Roxane Yas
December 22, 2024
I knew Barbie through my close friends. She was a friend of a friend at the start, but soon became much more than that. I have such fond Elementary school memories of her on the playground, how kind she was to me, despite not knowing me too well. After I moved away, I would visit her and our mutual friend over the summer. Barbs had such a bright and colorful personality, while also being very modest and polite. Eating sushi and playing Roblox horror games with her are memories I cherish so dearly. I will miss her very much, and I know everyone else who knew her will too. Fly high, Barbie. <3
Sally Zink
December 18, 2024
I met Barbie when her sister Angie was coming to Angier School for the first time and was placed in my Kindergarten class the year we moved to Carr School. Barbie was Angie's adorable younger sister! Whenever I saw her, she was smiling, happy, and watching out for her big sister.
In 2016, I was fortunate to have Barbie in my class, the last year that I taught full time. It was such a pleasure to be Barbie's teacher. She was a great student and a wonderfully kind and joyful addition to our classroom. Barbie was a friend to everyone, especially watching out and advocating for other students. She was positive, enthusiastic, and found joy in everything we did.
To her parents, her dear sister, and all of her friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind so many good memories of happy times and wonderful friendships.
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Natalie Wong
December 14, 2024
Barbara and I were on the same bus together. She would talk my friends and I and she would always be so sweet and have a smile on her face. My prayers go to her family and friends and may she rest in peace
Lily Michael
December 14, 2024
I knew Barbie from Kindergarten and I remember when I moved to Colorado a few years later being absolutely heartbroken that I wouldn´t see my friends for attest multiple years. When I couldn´t sleep at night I would make up stories of me and Barbie reuniting when I was visiting newton. It´s a harrowing thought that these stories will never come to fruition. When a good friend told me she had passed I was standing in a gas station buying a bar of chocolate. I couldn´t fathom it how could someone so full of light and joy and happiness be gone she was still in newton and I´d be back to visit soon. The next day it set in and I was horribly nauseous and nostalgic for moments that would never happen. Let her rest and be happy where ever she is and I wish the absolute best for all family and friends
Sue Harvey
December 14, 2024
Whenever I came over to pick up McKenna from a play date with Angie, I´d always find Barbie right in there with them. I was often struck by her bright energy and her ease moving between what others were doing and her own interests. She has a presence that was impossible to miss, whatever else was going on.
Leena Choi
December 12, 2024
I met Barbie in kindergarten, we were in the same class and had afterschool together. We talked during class and we were in some musical productions together in afterschool. I had made extremely fun memories in kindergarten and afterschool with her and our friends. After covid, she joined my fourth grade class. I remember standing in a circle as our teacher told us to share a fun fact about ourselves- me and Barbie had both said that we liked to read Wings of Fire. As we got to know each-other better again, we played games, wrote stories, watched videos and had lots of fun together. I had one of the best years of my life in fourth grade, and Barbie helped it become extra special. She was such a good friend; she would always ask me if I was okay and always made me smile. In middle school, we would talk together and I would feel comforted in her presence. During rehearsal for the play, we would be laughing in the hallway or backstage with our friends. Barbie brightened up my life with her kindness and fun personality. Thank you for everything. Barbie brightened me, our friends and our community. In loving memory of Barbie, the most beautiful, sweet, and loving friend. We will love and remember you always.
Shirley Fei
December 11, 2024
My daughter Julia has many fun memories playing with Barbie at the Angier, at various playdates during elementary school years and while trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Back then, they both loved Angier playground and asked for "five more minutes please" often. Barbie has always been a gentle, kind, sweet, generous and joyous friend with an infectious smile. She will always be fondly remembered and deeply cherished in our hearts.
CeCe Lee
December 11, 2024
I never really got many chances to talk to her but she was always so sweet and positive and she deserves so much more. She had the best style and always looked amazing. I´m very sad that I can´t go to her memorial service but I give full condolences to her parents and sister and hope they know that Barbara will always smile down on us from up above and I hope they will be able to find times of peace. She is a beautiful girl and is loved by all of us, I hope that wherever she is now she finds peace and happiness and is waiting for the time we join her.
Ana Enriquez
December 11, 2024
We were in an after school club together. I didn't have many friends, but she was so welcoming and kind to me.
Isabel Sioson
December 10, 2024
We were part of the cast and crew for our middle school´s performance of a clue inspired play. She helped me make so many new friends, and made the production a truly special experience.
Isabel Sioson
December 10, 2024
Meeting her in P.E. Class during the second grade
Jason Huang
December 10, 2024
I was a friend of Barbara's, though we didn't get to see each other much. We were both part of Brown Working Theatre; I was an actor and she was in stage crew. I have so many joyful memories of her. One time, before our show, Barbara and a close friend of hers chased me around the hallways with music blasting from her phone. She comforted not just me, but so many others when we felt bad, sticking with us despite the challenged. I felt as if I could be myself around her, that I didn't just have to be nonchalant all the time. I cannot stress enough how much joy she brought to everyone. She was there for those who needed her, and despite her own struggles, she always showed care and respect to those around her. We would laugh together when we did random voice impressions, and she always welcomed me, despite my awkwardness and fear of talking to people. To all of those who also grieve over her loss, please don't give up or fall into despair. You can all support and show love to each other, the way she did. That is what Barbara would want for all of us.
Leigh Janczak
December 9, 2024
Eleanor and Angie are neighbors and former classmates. We always loved seeing your family out in the neighborhood, especially when the girls were younger and in elementary school. We remember the pure joy Barbie always showed when we would see her running up and down Carlton alongside Angie. She always had the most adorable pigtails and a huge smile. We are so tremendously saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts and thoughts are with your family.
The Janczak Family
Andrea Fong
December 9, 2024
We met Barbie when your family first moved to Waban and she was at Riverside with my daughter Lilly. Lilly and Barbie became inseparable friends at Riverside, and into Kindergarten at Angier. Barbie was such a wonderful friend to Lilly - she helped ease some of her anxiety about moving schools - and they had so much fun together. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. I am thinking of you and wishing you whatever peace may be possible for your family.
Megan Young
December 8, 2024
My daughter Caitlin has many good memories of playing with Barbie at afterschool. The entire 8th grade Angier mom community is putting our arms around you.
Cathie Harvey
December 7, 2024
Several years ago my son (McKenna's Uncle Edwin) and I went to pick up McKenna who had spent the afternoon with Angie and Barbie. Zoe invited us in and the three girls proudly shared the cookies they had made and It was clear they had enjoyed their time together. I was grateful that Zoe, Angie and Barbie included McKenna in so many playdates.
I hold your family in my heart at this time of loss. Cathie Harvey (McKenna's Nana)
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