Barbara Rosser

Born in New York City to George and Elizabeth (Lang) Roth, she has resided in Sparta for the past 47 years. Barbara was a beloved and innovative teacher in the Sparta school system for over 25 years. She taught fourth grade at Sparta Alpine elementary school from 1965 to 1971 and, partly on the strength of an article she published in the Bolex Reporter on super-8 movie-making, was invited to transfer to the high school. From 1972 to 1988, she taught English Literature at Sparta High, where she also served as Drama Coach, directing plays and musicals.

Barbara graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1949, and in 1953 received her B.A. in Journalism and English from Ohio University, where she met her husband Alvin Rosser, an artist who also taught in Sparta school system. She later earned her master’s degree in Education from William Paterson College. Her abiding interest in the theater led Barbara to perform regularly over the years in community theatre productions. .

Barbara was a member of the Sparta Women’s Club, as well as an avid gardener and beekeeper at her home in Sparta, and was passionate about environmental issues. She established the first recycling center in Sparta (which at first consisted of several bins behind the municipal building); and she introduced and directed the first Science Fair at Sparta High. .

After retirement she traveled widely, and directed international group tours in several continents. She became a skillful quilter and was an active member of the Hands of Friendship Quilt Club based in Sussex County. She also took up ventriloquy in the late 90’s, and was often invited to perform with her “partners” (dummies) for various organizations throughout the region. .

Surviving Barbara are her beloved husband of 59 years, Alvin Rosser; two daughters, Shellie Rosser of Silverthorne, Colorado, and Jill Rosser of Athens, Ohio; and a granddaughter, Devon Halliday. Friends and family are invited Saturday, 3 – 6 PM for a Celebration of Life Gathering at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street Sparta, NJ 07871. Memorial Contributions are being accepted to: Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 11 Independence Way Newark, DE 19713. For more info see: www.goblefuneral.com