She made me a better person helped set straight a teenager who had no goals. I learned to question everything and open my mind to opposing views. Mrs. Barnett changed the lives of all of her students. We still think and talk about her, anytime psychology comes up I tell stories of the greatest teacher I ever had. I send my belated condolences to her family and friends, it took me a long time to find this page. I will always remember her as the brilliant and funny educator that made us strive for more.

Now that I'm retired, I often spend time looking on the internet for people I remember fondly from the long ago past. Camille was a girl I knew in junior high school. I think we sat next to each other in Mrs. Horn's home room class. I was a shy boy and Camille was one of the girls that every guy in the class was interested in, both for her good looks and her very engaging personality. And smart too. We were in the SP (special progress), which meant we skipped the 8th grade. We both went to dances at the JCH (Jewish Community House) where we would spend the night dancing and having fun. I'm pretty sure she taught me a lot of dances like the cha cha and the twist. I remember taking her to the prom in the 9th grade. Our birth dates were one day apart. Mine is May 19, 1948. When I saw the terrible news about Camille I was shocked and saddened. But when I saw how full her life was and how much she accomplished as a teacher, I felt good that she had lived such a rich life and had left the world a better place. I will remember her with great affection. My belated condolences to her family on their terrible loss.

I was looking on the internet today in the hopes of finding my favorite teacher. How sad I was to find that Camille passed away in September.I had the privilege of having "Ms. Barnett" for three years as my history and civics teacher at Pioneer Middle School. She was such a class act and more than any teach I have ever had, sparked and encouraged my love of history, government, national patriotism, and critical thinking.The lessons and enjoyment of so many class projects stick with me to this day and in my profession as an Army Officer. Making our own world maps, writing archeological journals on a interplanetary dig, role playing Henry VIII, conducting "live" new coverage of the battle of Lexington, Creating our own governments. I still remember the phenomenal and challenging games that forced our class teams to collaborate and come to hard decisions. One was an international terrorist hijacking/hostage crisis game where each team was a country and we had to work together even though our national governments had different policies and objectives. I remember how it came down to a single coin toss to used our Special Forces to rescue the hostages. There was such tension and relief. I also remember her reading James Clavell's "A Children's Story" to our class. What an important story to teach middle school students. Our class was a place of laughter, patriotism, compassion and friendship. Much of who I am today is because of her influence. She was great! God bless you and your family. I am sorry for your loss and hope if makes you feel good that the lessons I learned from her

I still can't bring myself to accept the fact I will only see Camille's beautiful smile in my mind and pictures. I wish we had one more day to chat. She touched so many lives in her life time, and each person in a very special way. One could only wish to leave a memory so strong as the she has left to all of us. A very big thank you to Carol (Buffy) and Jo for all their help making Friday possible, I wish I was able to be there.Love Grace

My deep condolences to the Labate family and friends. I met Camille in 1971 as my sixth grade teacher. Her start in teaching was at P.S. School 15 in Yonkers, New York in 1970. My sixth grade class was her second year of teaching after college. She was the best role model for young girls like me. She was smart, kind, and a strong class leader; I wished to be just like her. I found her on Facebook two years ago, 40 years after I had her as a teacher. It is a dream to say that I was her student and friiend. Camille will be missed so very much. I think about her constantly.I regret that I can't attend her service in Florida. I will be there in spirit. All her students from the '70's have written such beautiful comments about her on Facebook, at the P.S. 15 - Yonkers, NY site.With much sympathy, Jane L. Trott

Our condolences to the Labate Family, during this time of great sorrow, may it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. We too know the pain of losing someone dear. Even though our hearts are broken, be comforted that our Grand Creator (Psalms 83:18) cares about you personally (1Peter 5:7) and can help you through this difficult time. With much sympathy,

I was fortunate enough to meet Camille Barnett when I was placed in her classroom as a student intern in her A.P. Psychology class. I was placed there by FAU, so I could learn how to become a teacher. The short time that I spent in Ms. Barnett's classroom was filled with examples of excellence in teaching like I had never witnessed before. As an A.P. Psych teacher, she sometimes took on the personality of whatever pathology she was trying to demonstrate. This was quite enjoyable to the students whom at times, didn't even realize they were learning.She made everyone feel welcome in her classroom and was a true leader in education.She will be missed; I'm sure, by many.

OBITUARY

Camille Reale Barnett

May 18, 1948 – September 14, 2012

Fred Hunter's Funeral Home & Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens

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