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Barbara Nestler Obituary
A well-loved third-grade teacher, Barbara Nestler, 59, succumbed on Wednesday, after a long illness. Devoted to her students to the end, Mrs. Nestler taught until May 6.
"That first hour, there were a lot of tears and a lot of hugs," said Fay.
Teachers got the children busy making condolence cards for the Nestler family and three school-district psychologists were available for counseling, Fay said.
Mrs. Nestler of Boca Raton was known for unique and creative teaching methods. For a number of years, she had the third-graders write letters to themselves about their hopes and dreams, including photos and mementos.
She hung onto each class' letters and then mailed them to the students as they were graduating from high school. The seniors were also invited back each year to attend the school's "Invention Convention," when Banyan Creek students were challenged to solve a common problem.
"She loved her students, she loved what she did," said her husband Ian. "The outpouring has been incredible."
Besides her husband, Mrs. Nestler is survived by her parents, Arthur and Sylvia Shildkrout of Boca Raton, her brother Ken Shildkrout, sons Matthew, Jeffrey and Eric and grandson Greyson.
Services for Mrs. Nestler will be at 2 p.m. May 20 at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 11115 S. Jog Rd., Boynton Beach.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Nestler
25 Entries
Jenna Shapiro
November 20, 2019
Years later I am constantly reminded of Mrs.Nestler's class and how amazing she was as a teacher, my favorite one ever. She was so kind and caring, she even pulled out a tooth for me one day so I could eat lunch unburdened. Me and a few friends of mine were supposed to see her one day at Banyan after we had finished high school, it was scheduled for the week she passed. I wish we had stopped by sooner. Best wishes and condolences to her family.
james and nafi and bergemyn and darnell and giorgina and elise
December 10, 2014
ms.nestler was the best teacher ever and she was so nice.
christopher hyppolite
May 2, 2013
i loved Mrs.Nestler she was my favorite teacher she was soft hearted sweet and caring she will have a speacal place in my heart forever when i attended her funral i had to sit in the lobby the funral home was so full may god bless Barbras soul forever
roger eggerr
October 12, 2012
sorry
Beth
September 9, 2012
I was just searching to catch up with Mrs. Nestler when I read this news. As my first grade teacher, I constantly refer to her excellence in reaching her students throughout my graduate coursework in education. She really has inspired her students, even decades later.
Edward Engle
June 4, 2011
Dear Silvia Arty Kenny and Ian sorry for your loss. Growing up with you all was the best, from the Superbowl parties to the sadore lane pool card games. We came from Great parents and families, hopefully the wonderful memories will help ease the pain. Edward Engle, Goshen New Yorks
Charity Mathis
May 27, 2011
Mrs nestler was my daughters 3rd grade science teacher and she always talked about what a great teacher she was. She loved her class and was a great teacher really effecting every child so positively. She will be greatly missed.
frank fanelli
May 23, 2011
I had the privilege to work with Mrs. Nestler when I was teaching Bulling Prevention with the 3rd grade team at Banyan Creek Elementary. She was a great person and an awesome teacher. Being a police officer and not a teacher, I learned a great deal from her about reaching the kids in the classroom. I am grateful to have known her. God bless her and her family.
Officer Frank Fanelli
School Police Palm Beach County
Barbara Saidel
May 22, 2011
Ian, so sad to see Stanley's email about Barbara. I am so sorry for you and your family.
Barbara
Allan Kaufman
May 22, 2011
Ian and Family:
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara. Barbara and I grew up as friends, first going to grade school together then through high school. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Leslie Michaels-Schaefer
May 22, 2011
Dear Ian, I was so saddened to hear about Barbara - she had just recently (few months back) befriended me on facebook. It had been a really long time since I had seen you both - and were happy to see you at the reunion. My heart goes out to you and your family, it is not everyone that marries their high school sweetheart. It sounds like you have a lovely family and now a new grandson - enjoy him as I know Barbara would want you to. Spoil him, as she would do and tell him all about her and how you met - all your memories will help ease the pain in time. May she rest in peace and peace come to you in time. Leslie
Robert Zager
May 22, 2011
Dear Ian,
It is with great sadness I am writing this to you and your family. I remember Barbara with joy as she was full of energy and lit up the room with enthusiasm.
Ian I remember traveling through Europe with you as a teenager. You and Barbara were both special people.
I hope you made many special memories together over the years and that helps to ease the loss of such a wonderful person.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Roberts Maxwell
May 22, 2011
Ian, so glad to hear you and Barbara married and built a wonderful family and successful careers. Stanley Dubinsky informed the Class of '69 about Barbara and I was saddened to hear his news. I too married a high school 'sweetheart' (albeit he went to another high school...) forty years ago. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barbara will be fondly remembered by many.
erina clerge
May 21, 2011
Dear mrs. Nestlers family. my daughter goes to banyan. although she was one year short of gettin mrs Nestler she all ways says how much she wanted to have her as a teacher.she will be greatly missed
Douglas Roberto
May 21, 2011
Ian and family.. I am sure that you do not remember me from RHS, but I have wonderful fond memories of Barbara and her friendly personality. Although the years have passed and we do not see each other, the memory of her smile and her concern for others will always be in my heart. The most wonderful thing is that she touched so many people through her third grade classes and each of them will take a small part of Barbara with them throughout their lives
Doug
Andrea & Steven Nelson
May 21, 2011
To Ian and family:
Our deepest sympathies with the passing of Barbara. We had the pleaseure of meeting Barbara at Beth's and Craig's wedding.Barbara was full of life and loved her family very much.
She will be missed, but never forgotten and always remembered.
May 21, 2011
Mrs. Nestler was one of a kind teacher and a great example to others. We love her very much.
Lorraine Vogel
May 20, 2011
To Barbara's family:
Barbara was my son's third grade teacher. At Banyan Creek, every parent wanted her as their child's third grade teacher. Last year, when we received the letter Nick had written to himself (when in third grade as an assignment), we marveled at Barbara's continuing creativity and thoughtfulness. She loved her students and her family so much. Please know what an impact your wife, daughter and mother made on our lives and so many others.
Barbara, you were a special gift. You will be greatly missed.
Ellen Roth
May 20, 2011
Barbara Nestler was a wonderful person and teacher. My granddaughter, who lost her mother 4 years ago, was a student in Mrs. Nestler's class. I had the privilege and pleasure of sharing many issues about raising a child without a parent, and Barbara was always there for both my granddaughter and myself. She will be missed.
May 20, 2011
I met Barbara years ago when we both lived in Miami. I was so sorry to her about her passing this morning and want to share my deepest sympathies to her husband and her boys. Whenever I saw Barbara, she lit up when she spoke about her family and was so very proud of her three boys. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Sue Winitsky Levy
Deborah Starrett
May 19, 2011
Mrs Nestler sounds like a wonderful teacher. I am sure she will be missed by her students. I hope someone carries on her idea of the letters, that seems like a big part of her life. My condolences to her family, her students and her friends.
Tessie Harrison
May 19, 2011
"I didn't even like science, until I was in Mrs.Nestlers class. Now it is my favorite subject. she brought out the good things in everything. She will be missed."
Kathie Mandel Offner
May 19, 2011
Barbara, you were my first and dearest friend in Yonkers. You introduced me to everyone, took me under your wing and helped me ease into life in Sadore Lane and Roosevelt. I loved having our windows connect across the fire escape and that we could chat at will without being on the phone. You and Ian were always such a wonderful couple and I was thrilled to reconnect with you. I am so thankful you lived to see and love your grandson Greyson. It was an honor to be your friend and I will always remember you with love. My heartfelt condolences to Ian, your sons, daughter in laws, Greyson....my heart goes out to your parents whom I have always loved and to Kenny and his family. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Brandon Schuster
May 19, 2011
Mrs. Nestler, you were the most amazing teacher that I have ever had. You have taught me everything. We were a "tag team." Words can't even describe how much I will miss you. You have helped shape me to be the person I am today. Thank you for all that you have taught me. I hope you realize how many lives you have touched as a teacher.
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