Barbara Doris Garfinkel

Barbara Garfinkel, 91, (nee Leiwant) died on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. She is predeceased by her husband Bernie, sister Suzanne Spitzer and brother Morton Leiwant. She is survived by her sister, Audrey Isler, her children, Paul Garfinkel and his wife, Rachel Leibman, daughter Robin Furrey and her husband, Ted Furrey, and 4 grandchildren, Arielle West, Brian Furrey, Hannah Furrey and Jake Garfinkel.

Her nickname of Bobby, stayed with her all through life. She was the second oldest of 4 children, but by far the spunkiest. In Weequahic High School she was known for her athleticism playing baseball, volleyball and basketball. She also spent many summers as a counselor and swimming instructor at her Aunt Hannah’s Camp Nawita in the Adirondacks.

She held a Master’s degree in Bacteriology from Ohio State and worked at Hoffman- La Roche in Nutley, NJ for several years before marrying her husband, Bernard Garfinkel, in 1951, and having children.

She volunteered at the school library when her children were young, and when they were older, she got a second master’s degree in library science and

worked for the Township of Woodbridge until she retired in 1987.

In retirement, she remained active by playing tennis, volunteering with an elder day care organization and Meals on Wheels. She was a born caretaker to the downtrodden and active in civil rights and peace activities.

She will be missed by the many people who loved her and those whose lives she touched.