Barbara Ann Keshishian's Obituary
Engman Keshishian, Barbara A.,
72, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, formerly of North Bergen, NJ, passed away on August 19, 2023. Deeply devoted daughter of Beatrice Engman Schick, Raymond Engman, and step-father John Schick. Loving sister to Donna Bernardon & her husband Remy. Proud and adoring aunt of Kevin and Matthew.
Barbara was born in Weehawken and grew up in North Bergen, residing there most of her life, until her retirement in 2013. Barbara was valedictorian of her 8th-grade class, graduated fifth in the North Bergen High School class of 1968, and graduated with a BS in secondary education & mathematics from Saint Peter’s College (now University) in 1972. While there, she was a member of the women’s basketball team, and her team was inducted into the SPU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
Barbara taught mathematics for 29 years at New Milford Middle & Senior High Schools. During this tenure she would also serve as president of the NMEA and president of the BCEA, among many other leadership roles. In 2009, she became NJEA’s 105th president, having served as secretary-treasurer and vice president the eight years prior. She served as the first chair of NJEA’s Pride in Public Education Committee, celebrating the great work done in New Jersey’s public schools. Barbara spent her career advocating for New Jersey’s public school employees and students.
She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima in North Bergen and Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights. A devout Catholic, she attended mass every weekend and holy day, even when out of town.
Born on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Barbara shared his deep love of animals, generously donating to local animal shelters and assisting in the rescue of neighborhood stray cats. One freezing cold January evening, she took in her own beloved Honey Bunch, who became her grateful, loyal and loving companion.
A proud, lifelong Jersey Girl, her favorite vacations would be spent on Long Beach Island: shopping at Hands and Bay Village, winning at the crane machines at Fantasy Island, meeting her dear friends for dinner at Tuckers, and soaking up the sun poolside at the Engleside Inn.
More than anything, Barbara cherished spending time with her family, especially her nephews. Amusement park trips, days down the shore, and annual Dr Seuss day activities throughout their elementary school years are just some of the wonderful memories they will carry with them.
Funeral from the Hennessey Heights Funeral Home, Hasbrouck Heights. A funeral mass was held at Corpus Christi R.C.C. and was private. She was laid to rest at the Garden of Memories in Washington Twp, NJ.
Donations in memory of Barbara to ACT Now Foundation, 400 38th St, Suite 305, Union City, NJ 07087 (actnowfoundation.org) or any animal rescue, shelter or sanctuary of your choosing would be deeply appreciated.
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