Barbara Rodensky Berkowitz

Barbara was born on September 9, 1934, in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of Fagel Slavkin Rodensky and Morris Rodensky. She grew up in New London, Connecticut, enjoying the Connecticut shore at Ocean Beach. She attended Temple University and earned a degree as a dental hygienist, but remained a loyal fan of the University of Connecticut—Go Huskies!

After graduation, she moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to live with her Aunt Blanche and Uncle Dave and take her first job. It was in Bridgeport that she met the love of her life, Bernie Berkowitz. They married and lived in Fairfield and Bridgeport until relocating to Columbia, South Carolina, in 2020.

Barbara was a devoted volunteer at the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, Connecticut. In their later years, she and Bernie loved traveling the world, but most of all cherished their time in New York City attending plays, visiting museums, and enjoying music. Barbara and Bernie were married for 66 years until his passing in 2021.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Michael Rodensky of Connecticut; her two daughters, Marsha Sturgis of Edgewater, Maryland, and Sue Berkowitz (Harrison Palmer) of Columbia; and her five grandchildren, Elliott, Leah, and Rachael Sturgis, and John Paul and Max Palmer. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Beth Shalom Synagogue Arcadia Lakes Cemetery.

Marsha and Sue wish to thank the amazing staff at the Laurel Crest Memory Care Unit, led by Cessandra Carter, for the loving and dignified care Barbara received during her time there.

Donations may be made in her memory to the PCSC Foundation – Laurel Crest Employee Gift Fund at https://giving.prescommunities.org/. Please select “Other” and specify “Laurel Crest Employee Gift Fund,” or mail to 2817 Ashland Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, to honor those who provided her with such compassionate care.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.