Barbara Bossak Van Oostrum

Barbara Van Oostrum, devoted educator and loving mother and grandmother who never met a stranger, died with both daughters by her side after an extended and brave battle with cancer. She was 68. A Cary resident, she was a Guidance Counselor at Leesville Road Middle School.

A native New Yorker, Barbara was known for her energy and dedication to family, students and friends. After earning her Montessori Certification in 1980 and starting Montessori Learning Center in Fort Lauderdale, Barbara went on to earn a BS in 1989 and MS in 1992 from Nova University and an Ed.S. from Barry University in 1994. In her 29 years as an educator and counselor in Florida and North Carolina, she created and/or managed countless programs to better the lives of children and families. She often heard back from those who cited the difference she made in their lives. She volunteered in organizations to prevent child abuse as well as other important causes. Barbara did all this while being a wife and mother, and later reveling in her role as grandmother.

Barbara was called “Mom” and later “Grandma” well beyond her immediate family. Her holiday meals were renowned, enjoyed by many who were away from their own family. An avid shopper, great cook and wonderful entertainer, Barbara loved to brag about and spoil each of her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by daughters; Lauri Van Oostrum of Cary and Amy Engler and husband, Ray, of Cary; grandchildren, Peter Engler, Zachary Engler, Kayla Engler, and Maya Van Oostrum; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Edward Sherrick, of Connecticut; and 6 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mortimer and Gloria Bossak, and husband Walter Van Oostrum.

A service will be held at Apex Funeral Home on Monday, April 11 at 6:00 pm. Visitation will precede the service from 4:30-5:45. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wake County Hospice (200 Hospice Circle, Cary, NC 27511) or a children’s charity of your choice..