Barbara A. Looft (nee Young) was born in 1931 in Mineola, NY. She grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Staten Island when she married the love of her life, Harold, in 1953. The happy couple met while performing in musical groups and this passion remained a vibrant part of their lives. They were blessed with a beautiful love which grew stronger every day for 60 years.
Barbara and Harold made their nest and raised two lucky children. They enjoyed their community, and all it had to offer. A compassionate, easy-going and sociable woman, Barbara delighted in meeting people from all over the world in her many travels and here at home.
As members of Trinity Lutheran Church in the later decades, camaraderie with fellow parishioners provided spiritual and social fulfillment, and more music! Known for her cooking and baking skills, Barbara would host ”After Glow”parties following musical performances. Music-makers filled the house, overflowing from furniture to seats on the floor, singing and celebrating life together.
Barbara held executive secretarial jobs before she had kids, and again when they were in school. Employed for many years at Eastern Tea Corporation, there she established enduring friendships with her card-playing buddies which brought much joy until her last days.
A creative person, Barbara spent many hours with another group of dear lady friends, crocheting scarves, hats and blankets for people in need. She found great satisfaction giving back to the community which she loved.
Of all the joyful events and relationships, the love which Barbara felt for her grandchildren was incomparable. Lauren and Danny brought new excitement and purpose to Barbara's middle and late years. She can rest peacefully now knowing that they are thriving adults who have found their own true loves.
Ten years ago dear Harold passed from this life. It was a terrible loss but gradually Barbara adapted to life on her own. Fortunately her children were close at hand to keep her company and help with household tasks.
In the past year, health declining, she often spoke of wanting to be with her husband, ready to be released from her ailing body and embrace the light of formlessness. And so it is.
Now we say goodbye but not goodbye. We will always be connected, inseparably, to the love and light which is Barbara - our beloved Mom, Grandma, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend.
Be at peace, sweet Mama, reunited with your loving husband, sing together in the heavenly choir! We will miss you in your physical form but we know you are always with us, in our hearts.
Barbara is survived by her children, Bob and Ellen; daughter-in-law, Peggy; granddaughter, Lauren, and Lauren’s husband, Max; grandson, Daniel, and Dan’s fiancé, Michele; sister-in-law, Rita; niece, Janet; nephew, Frank; their spouses, children and grandchildren; cousins, Walter and John, and their children; and many, many friends, including Carolyn from first day of high school (!), all of whom she’s dearly loved.
We are eternally grateful for Barbara’s love, for the blessing of spending time with her grandkids one week before her passing, and that her transition, December 4, 2022, took place peacefully at home with her children by her side. We also truly appreciate all of the kind people who lovingly helped us care for Mom this past year, most especially our Dr. Peter, who looked after her as his own family member. From deep in our hearts, thank you. Peace, Love and Blessings to All.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in springtime, after the dark days of winter. Donations in Barbara’s name can be sent to Feeding With TLC , Inc. to support the church’s feeding ministry.
She is in the care of Harmon Funeral Home.
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