Obituary of Barbara Sternstein

Barbara Rose (Bergman) Sternstein, 85, of Newtonville, died on Wednesday February 15, 2017 )at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany. She was born in Brooklyn on July 8, 1931, to her parents, Frank and Bertha (Schnaer) Bergman. Beside her parents, Barbara was predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Melvin Doniger and Herbert Kramer. She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Mona (Paul) Storch of Paramus, NJ, and Amy Sternstein of Loudonville, NY; her two much-loved granddaughters, Pamela Storch of Jerusalem, Israel, and Michelle Storch of Cambridge, MA; her stepmother, Sadie Bergman of Venice, FL; her two sisters, Irma Kramer of Brooklyn, NY, and Renee Doniger of Venice, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews. Barbara stayed in Brooklyn until moving up to Troy in 1954 and then to Newtonville in 1963. After her children were born, Barbara went back to college, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Education from SUNY Albany. She taught English at Cohoes High School for 23 years, retiring in 1986. She cared deeply for her students, and became a mentor and counselor to many of them. Barbara was much admired for her expertise at knitting and crocheting. She created many beautiful sweaters for her daughters and other relatives, as well as crafting many intricate afghans. Barbara was an avid reader, especially enjoying historical novels, and was well-known and loved at the William K. Sanford (Colonie) Library. She enjoyed and was extremely talented at doing crossword puzzles. Barbara loved to walk and, before her illness, could out-walk people half her age. She loved feeling the sun on her face, but also enjoyed the sensation of a misty rain. Barbara gave generously to many charities, especially those focusing on helping Israel and her fellow Jews. She also gave substantial amounts to charities that helped to protect animals and the environment. After she retired, Barbara volunteered at the United Jewish Federation. There she met and became close friends with Alice Hokenson, Diane and Bob Freer, Diane Vincent, and Richelle Cruver. We thank them for the love they showed Barbara right to the end. Special thanks also go to Barbara's long-time friends and neighbors, Carolyn and Debbie Clemente, for their many years of caring and support. Barbara had incredible inner strength and beat many health crises throughout her lifetime. But although she fought valiantly, there was just no way to beat this very rare, very aggressive form of cancer. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center who showed such compassion and kindness to Barbara during her final weeks. A special hug to CNA Mary Taylor who is truly an angel on earth . A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the Beth Tephilah Cemetery on Belle Avenue in Troy, NY. (From Congress St. (Rt. 2), turn right on Pawling Ave., turn left on Pinewoods, then left on Belle Ave. Go through the gates of Elmwood Cemetery, then make an immediate right. Go straight on that road until you enter the Beth Tephilah Cemetery.) Shiva will be observed at Barbara's house at 13 Ashley Drive in Newtonville . In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Barbara may make a memorial contribution to Daughters of Sarah Jewish Foundation, 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203. The period of mourning will be observed at 13 Ashley Drive in Newtonville, NY on Thursday, February 16th from 5-7pm, Friday, February 17th from 2-4 pm and again on Sunday, February 19th from 2-4pm