Barbara Zurich

Barbara Zurich, longtime River Vale resident passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, August 17th at the age of 90. Predeceased by her beloved husband George Zurich in May 2022, the two are now united in their eternal love.

Barbara was an only child born in Englewood Hospital in 1932 to parents A Fred Runge and Annamae Uhde whose parents emigrated from Germany. She grew up during the depression in Union City, NJ living in a multi-unit cold water flat apartment building owned by her grandfather who also operated a grocery store downstairs. She moved to River Edge in the 3rd grade graduating from Hackensack High School at the age of 15. She attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School before beginning her career at CBS Television Network in New York City where she met the love of her life George. They were married in May 1956 settled in River Vale to raise their family in the spring of 1960.

Barbara raised Elizabeth, George (Lorrie Anderson, deceased), James, (Linda Catalano), Robert and Carol (John Kreusch). Barbara was a loving grandmother and Meme to 11 grandchildren and recently welcomed three great grandchildren, Cooper, Bryson and Kaia.

As an only child and stay at home Mom, Barbara’s large family brought her and husband George great pride, joy and love. They decided to remain in NJ rather than retiring to Florida enjoying many wonderful summers together with their children and grandchildren at the vacation home in Schroon Lake, New York. Barbara was always an enthusiastic supporting voice heard from the stands cheering on the many teams her children and grandchildren participated in over many years in the Pascack Valley.