VAN BUREN¬ – Barbara. Born in Brooklyn, August 28, 1929, died in her Manhattan home on January 31, 2015.
Educated in Catholic schools, she further received a BS degree from Queens College, and a MS in Social Work from Columbia University. A Social Worker for many years, she championed the rights of children, incarcerated women, and ex-offenders. Many social programs throughout New York City benefit today from Barbara’s relentless efforts and skillful fundraising. She retired in 2011 at the age of 82 from West Side Federation for Senior Housing and Support Services (WSFSSH) after twenty-one years as the Director of Development.
Barbara had a progressive spirit and was particularly talented at organization, preparation and inclusiveness, tempered by spontaneity and a zeal for having fun. Barbara’s talents shone in her position as Director of Community Liaison in the Office of the NY City Council President (1977-1979). They also led to her successes in acquiring funding and grants for many service agencies: Project Green Hope (1980-1986) and the Fortune Society (1980-1986) as Development Director and Grants Administrator, both supportive services for ex-prisoners, male and female; the AIDS Services Delivery Consortium as Director (1987); and West Side Federation for Senior Housing and Support Services (WSSFSH), as Directory of Development (1980-2011). Up until her last illness, Barbara for many years co-chaired the Community Board Number Seven, Committee for Health and Human Services.
Barbara was deeply religious, and viewed her faith as including social and community responsibility. Her staunch beliefs, and extraordinary talents in organizing social movements propelled her into leadership roles in progressive activities such as Call to Action. As a progressive she had a keen interest in feminist initiatives. Barbara loved New York City and all it offers. Barbara frequently traveled with friends. She was fun to be with and to go out with. She will be greatly missed.
Barbara is survived by her brother Jerome, her sister-in-law Mary; niece Michele Van Buren Kiefer; nephews David Van Buren and Christopher Van Holmes; grand-nieces Jean Van Buren, Skye Terebey, Carlin Van Holmes, Madison Van Holmes and Aurora Kiefer; and grand-nephew Edward Kiefer.
Calling hours at Redden’s Funeral Home, 325 W. 14 St., Sunday Feb. 8, 3-5pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass at St. Gregory Church, 144 W. 90 St., at 10am on Monday, Feb. 9. Donations in memory of Barbara may be sent to Call to Action, 421 Eighth Ave., PO Box 8291, New York, NY 10116.