With heavy hearts, we honor the life and memory of Barbara Ostertag, who passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, after a short and unexpected battle with cancer.
Barbara was born on August 26, 1948, in New Britain, CT. She attended Pulaski High School, graduating as the salutatorian for the Class of 1966. Barb pursued a career in education, graduating with honors from Central Connecticut State University. She later received a Master’s Degree in Education from George Washington University with an emphasis in Early Childhood Reading.
Barb caught the eye of her future husband Robert during high school study hall one day. Two years later they were dating and went on to marry on May 19,1973. Together they raised two children, Christopher, and Jessica. Barb and Bob recently celebrated their 50-year golden anniversary with a cruise of the Galapagos Islands.
Barb held many roles throughout the years, including teacher, marketing analyst, and accountant. But her most cherished of all roles was that of mother. Barb was an ever-present, fun, supportive, and creative mom. She put as much effort into birthday breakfasts as she did into planning family trips across the country and around the world. Nothing brought her more joy than her two grandsons, Emerson (9) and Logan (1). As their grandma, “Grans” filled their lives with happiness and love.
Barb was an active volunteer and enjoyed giving back to her community. She was a scout leader, room parent, and led food drives, fundraisers, and children’s fairs. Barb was awarded the Ada Township Volunteer of the Year.
Always eager to see the world, Barb was an avid traveler ready to experience new cultures. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness towards others, her generous spirit, and her incredible culinary skills. She loved hosting friends and family in the warmth of her home and had a gift for making others feel welcome and special.
Memories of Barb will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind – her husband, Bob; children, Christopher (Jennie) Ostertag and Jessica (Patrick) O’Neill; sisters, Ursula Nadolny (Timm Harris), Maryla (Mike) Underwood; grandchildren, Emerson Ostertag, and Logan O’Neill; her dear nieces and nephews; and many other cherished family and friends. She is preceded in death by her inspirational mother, Elizabeth Nadolny.
A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. If you so wish, please honor her with a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
4 Responses
Jessica, Bob and Christopher – I am deeply saddened by this news. My condolences and thoughts go out to you.
I had the pleasure of travelling with Barb, Bob, Jessica, Partick, my sister Vicki and her husband Terry in Argentina two years ago. It was so much fun getting to know Barb and discovering what a delightful person she was. Those are fond memories that will be always be with me.
I hope there is some comfort from Jess, Pat and Logan’being able to spend Barb’s last days with her.
This is a great loss and a hole that will take a long time to fill in the Ostertag family. I do know that the hole will be filled with all the memories of what a delightful person Barb is.
My sincerest condolences to the Ostertag family. May the cherishest memories of Barb live on and bring much comfort in the days ahead.
Our sympathy and prayers to all of Barb’s loved ones. Cancer doesn’t care who it takes, but it always seems to be the best of us.
Dearest Jessica & Patrick – It is with deepest sympathy we send our sincere condolences. May the best of memories of your mother comfort you during this difficult time. Praying God’s love brings you much peace. Sending all our love to the Ostertag family.