Barbara Fay Marder

BARBARA MARDER (née Saltman) 87 recently of Charlottesville, VA and formerly a longtime resident of Framingham, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, after a brief illness. Barbara was born in Boston, MA at the Beth Israel Hospital, a few minutes prior to her twin brother Lawrence (Bob).

After graduating from high school in Newton, MA. where she was a proud drum majorette of the school marching band, Barbara went on to study education with a minor in psychology obtaining a BA from Framingham State University and a MA from University of Massachusetts Boston. She met the love of her life Ronald Marder on a blind date set up by mutual friends, her senior year of college. They married shortly after graduation and were happily married for more than 40 years until Ron’s passing.

Barbara settled in Framingham to raise a family where she was a teacher in the local school system, an elected town meeting member serving on key committees, and an active volunteer in numerous political campaigns and non-profit causes. Barbara was an accomplished swimmer. She was head of the waterfront at Camp Pembroke in Pembroke, MA where she spent many summers as a camper. She loved the beach especially Wells, Maine where the family had a house. She loved the outdoors, including hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. She also loved her Boston sports teams and the arts scene including the Boston Symphony, Jacobs Pillow, and Tanglewood. She was a proud hockey mom to her sons. After retiring from teaching, she was a travel agent who enjoyed traveling the world.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Ron, her son Gary, her twin brother Lawrence (Bob) Saltman, and her older brother Sheldon Saltman. Barbara’s survivors include her younger brother Jack Saltman, her son and daughter-in-law Mitchell and Sandy Marder; her daughter-in-law Sandi Marder; her grandchildren Hunter, Zoë, and Genevieve; her many amazing nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers and donations, memorial contributions may be made to the Danforth Art Museum and Art School, 14 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01701, an organization that she felt strongly about and was a founding supporter. Contact (508) 215-5112 or see www.alumni.framingham.edu/danforthgiving

A graveside service will be held at 11am ET on Sunday March 26, 2023, at the Bessarabian Cemetery, 232 Fuller, Street, Everett, MA.