Barbara Roos

Barbara E. Roos
Barbara E. Roos, 79, of Danbury, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, with her family by her side.
A student, educator, wife, mother and grandmother, Barbara was a caring and giving individual, a true lover of life and of people. She was at her best when sharing her time, guidance and spirit to make others stronger and happier.
Born in Bridgeport on Feb. 17, 1938, the daughter of the late Sidney and Margaret (Strauss) Esner, Barbara graduated from Brandeis University in 1959. She later earned a master's degree in education from the University of Bridgeport and a master's degree in Spanish literature from New York University.
She combined that education with a fun yet nurturing personality to do what she most loved to do: teach. Barbara taught Spanish for over 50 years, most memorably at Broadview Junior High and Danbury High and later as an adjunct professor at WestConn. Through a unique teaching style that connected with her students and an adventurous spirit that included chaperoning many trips to Spain, she enhanced minds, touched lives and opened doors.
Travel was dear to Barbara's heart. She traveled to Spain some 50 times, but also visited the Netherlands, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Galapagos Islands among others. She adored Cape Cod and made that a frequent destination.
Always focused on the community while raising her three children, Barbara was involved in countless endeavors, including having a hand in the founding of DAYO, a Danbury youth organization. After she retired, she continued those community connections on a different level, bringing her into contact with groups of wonderful people who became dear friends. With these friends, she shared her love of reading, art, knitting, opera and Broadway shows.
Barbara was the secretary for the Women's Club of Danbury and a member of the Hispanic Center. A cancer survivor for over 20 years, she was a gifted facilitator and mentor at Ann's Place, where she sought and provided support in battling the disease.
Nothing touched the connection she shared with her family. Brightening days, encouraging souls, and enriching lives, she was a family force who will endure and inspire those she has left behind. Barbara is survived by her three children, Deirdre Savarese, Mark Murphy (Holly), and Maura Rhodes (Kevin); seven grandchildren, Peter and Emily Savarese, Devin and Teaghan Murphy, Jake, Jillian and Tess Rhodes; her sister, Janet Sender; her dear friend Richard Corkery; her brother-in-law, Paul Murphy (Sandra); her sister-in-law, Caroline Heffernan; her son-in-law, Steven Savarese and many extended family members and loved ones.
She was predeceased by her husband, John Peter Murphy (1972) and husband, Emory Roos (2001).
Friends are invited to a Memorial service to be held at Ann's Place, 80 Saw Mill Rd., Danbury, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at 12 noon. Following the service, visitors are welcome at the family home at 3 p.m.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's name to Ann's Place.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.CornellMemorial.com