Barbara Siegel Landow

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1935, Barbara was the only child of Edith and Jack Siegel. Barbara’s mother Edith was a native Washingtonian. Her father Jack immigrated to Washington, D.C., from Poland at age 5, quickly learning to speak English. He became a successful liquor entrepreneur and subsequently a commercial real estate developer.

After attending Brightwood Elementary School and moving to Washington’s North Portal neighborhood, Barbara attended Paul Junior High, where she was a consistent honor student. She then attended Calvin Coolidge High School, class of 1953. In her senior year at Coolidge, she met her future husband, the late Nathan Landow. Even though Nathan attended a different high school, geography did not dissuade him from pursuing Barbara, being infatuated with her beauty, intellect, and, of course, her bright yellow Pontiac Catalina. Barbara continued to excel as a student at the University of Maryland, studying elementary education. She also was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi Fraternity.

Married in 1954, Barbara and Nathan moved to the Chevy Chase, Maryland, community of Rollingwood. There, they raised three children, Harolyn, David, and Michael, and established enduring lifelong friendships with neighboring families. Early in the marriage, Barbara began her philanthropic work, initially devoting herself to the establishment of a new campus in Rockville, Maryland, for the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, ultimately serving as president of the Women’s Auxiliary and Chairman of the Starlight Ball, the Hebrew Home’s largest fundraising effort of the year. In recognition of her exemplary service to the Hebrew Home, in 1979, Barbara was honored with the prestigious Aunt Minnie Goldsmith Award. Among her many other philanthropic and civic endeavors, Barbara served as president of the American Friends of the Hebrew University, held leadership roles with the Weitzman Institute and Second Genesis, and served on the board of the Holton-Arms School, from which her granddaughters, Eden and Julia Cardozo and Alyssa Landow, are alumnae. In addition, Barbara joined Nathan in raising millions of dollars for Israel Bonds.

Barbara married her second husband, the late Jerome L. Bernstein, in 1999. They resided in Bethesda, Maryland, near their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed an active social life in Bethesda and, during the winter months, in Boca Raton, Florida. They were enthusiastic travelers. Their energetic participation in family events brought joy to all occasions. Throughout her entire lifetime, Barbara was known for her dignity, grace, a refined sense of style, and gracious manners. Her courteous disposition was a delight to all who knew her. Barbara’s elegant, flowing penmanship was immediately recognizable on her frequent correspondence.

Barbara Landow is survived by her three children, Harolyn L. Cardozo (Michael), David M. Landow (Susan), and Michael B. Landow (Dana); stepdaughters Lauren Bernstein Penn (Jeff) and Abby Bernstein (Karen); grandchildren Eden Cardozo Levy (Benjamin), Julia L. Cardozo, Michael H. Cardozo, VI (Avery), Alyssa J. Landow, and Edward J. Landow; great grandchildren Jack C. Levy, Gabriel H. Levy, and Emmeline A. Levy. Barbara was predeceased in death by her parents Edith and Jack Siegel.

Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Garden of Remembrance Memorial Chapel (14321 Comus Road, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871). Shiva will be observed at the home of Harolyn and Michael Cardozo on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m.

In remembrance of Barbara Landow, memorial donations may be made to the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, dedicated to serving young burn survivors. For more than 20 years, Barbara has proudly supported her grandchildren’s efforts as Burn Camp volunteers. Donations may be mailed to: Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, 5430 Harris Farm Lane, Clarksville, Maryland 21029-1000, or online at midatlanticburncamp/donate.org.