Barrie Motola

Barrie Marilyn (Cohn) Motola, a devoted mother and passionate educator, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on April 19, 2023, at the age of 80. Born in the Bronx and raised in Inwood, Manhattan, she was predeceased by her parents, Beatrice and Harry Cohn.

Barrie is survived by her loving children, Gabrielle Motola, who resides in London, England with her partner Annie Moy; Lauren Motola, of Londonderry, NH with her wife Meghan Shea; and Dr. Daniel Motola, of Sleepy Hollow, NY with his wife Kristin Sorra. She was a cherished grandmother known as “Nannie” to Lucas, Paloma, Ava, Aidan, and William. Barrie is also survived by her dear sister, Roberta Cohn Kaplan of Plantation, Florida, niece Sage Molotov, nephew Jonathan Kaplan, and numerous cousins and friends who adored her.

A woman of many talents, Barrie attended the High School for the Performing Arts, where she pursued dance. Her love for the arts extended to classical music. She was a dedicated pianist who sought to improve her skills throughout her life. Early in her career, Barrie taught French and Spanish, and was also fluent in Italian, Russian, and Hebrew. Her talent for languages was naturally followed by her love for travel. Driven by her passion for self-improvement and helping others, Barrie later earned a Master's in social work. She made a meaningful impact in the lives of those she served, utilizing her educational background and innate compassion in school social work and private practice.

Barrie's generosity knew no bounds, and her giving spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She made each person she engaged with feel loved and cherished. Her selflessness ensured that her children could pursue their dreams and passions, and nurture and grow their own families to thrive, while still remaining a close-knit, and loving circle. Barrie’s smile, contagious laughter, indelible spirit, and commitment to family will be forever remembered.

Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 17, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to UpBeat NYC (https://upbeatnyc.org/) in Barrie's memory.