973-762-2200 (The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home) | 973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)
jacobhollefh@aol.com
prestonfh@aol.com
Obituary of Barbara A. Jordan
Barbara Jordan, a beloved mother, passed away peacefully on March 8th. Born on April 11, 1942 in Guyana, S.A., Barbara leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering strength that will forever be etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. She was a great woman by any standard and was commonly referred to as Baby J, Babsy, or simply Barbara.
Growing up, my siblings and I thought the name “Babsy” was whimsical and endearing, so it stuck. Babsy was a great mother, sister, friend and colleague. She was the eldest of the four “Sirene” girls, a name referencing my grandmother. Babsy led our family's next generation of strong women to demonstrate what it meant to be resilient and a giver. Babsy dedicated her life to nurturing and supporting her family. She was a pillar of strength, a source of comfort, and a guiding light to her children, Sigmund, Louie, Beverley, Andre and Shaun (deceased). Her warm and caring nature created a home filled with love and laughter, where family and friends always felt welcome.
Babsy had dreams, BIG DREAMS. Barbara was a very dynamic woman who loved traveling and sewing. Upon marrying at the tender age of 21 and having five children, Babsy immigrated to the United States in 1969. Babsy worked to lay the foundation for her children to join her in America, along with seven siblings and her niece. Babsy was very dutiful, and she stuck to the plan. She was relentless in her pursuits, and nine years later, we joined her in our new home in Queens, NY. That moment was etched in my memory as one of her happiest.
Once settled in New York, Babsy continued on her academic journey. She graduated from the City University of NY – Baruch College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Additionally, she went on to pursue a Masters in Divinity at New York University, yet was unable to complete her studies due to illness.
Babsy was altruistic, and her home was open to anyone in need. She gave generously to her family and her church. Barbara was confident that she set the example and gave her children the tools to live meaningful and productive lives. Babsy also faced life's challenges with resilience and grace, teaching her loved ones the importance of perseverance and kindness.
Her unwavering support and encouragement were the driving forces behind her children, who will forever be grateful for the values she instilled in them.
In addition to her role as a mother, Babsy was a cherished friend and confidante to many. Her empathy, wisdom, and genuine kindness endeared her to those fortunate enough to know her. Her impact extended beyond the family circle, reaching friends, colleagues, and community members.
Her memory will be forever cherished by her surviving family members: Sigmund, Louie, Beverley & Andre; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren.
Siblings: Philip, Henrick, John, Linda, Joan, Ann, Colin and other extended family and friends
As we say our goodbyes, let us remember Barbara Jordan for the love she shared, the strength she embodied, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. May she find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire love and compassion in those she touched.
The family invites friends and well-wishers to join them in a celebration of Barbara Jordan's life on March 16th, 2024, in South Orange, NJ.
In lieu of flowers donations to American Diabetes Association,P.O. Box 7023,Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 (diabetes.org)
would be appreciated.
