Barbara Heyman

Barbara Heyman

HEYMAN: Barbara Heyman, on Nov. 26, 2015. Born February 7, 1939, in Norristown, Pa., Barbara was the daughter of late Gerald and Marie Strauss.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Patti Rosen, and three brothers, Howard Strauss, Jerry Strauss and Bernard Strauss. She is survived by her two beloved children, David Heyman of Singapore and Lisa Heyman of Mechanicsburg, Pa. She was the beloved Grammy to her two grandsons, Etan, and Tamir Heymanof Modi’in, Israel.  She is also survived by her sister, Dennese (Joel) Kirschner of Monroe Township, N.J.; brothers, Jay (Dana) Strauss of Hermitage, Pa., and Allen (Bette) Strauss of Mays Landing, N.J.; sisters-in-law Phyllis Strauss and Shirley Strauss; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and her Russian friend, Serguei Vodopianov, whom she loved as an adopted son. Barbara will long be remembered for her chicken matzoh ball soup and mandel bread (biscottis) she shared with her friends and relatives. She graduated in 1957 from Monaca Senior High School and retired in 2000 after working 30 years for MetLife Insurance Company. Her passion was musical theater.  She wrote and directed musical fundraisers for Monaca Jr. Woman’s Club and served as president of the organization. She also appeared on stage at the Chippewa Play House and Red Barn Theater. Barbara served on the Freedom Area School board for 36 years, 15 years as president. She served on the Beaver County Career Technology Center board, where she was president for two years and secretary for 32 years. She was a member, former board member, Sunday school teacher and past president of the Women’s Group at the Beth Samuel Jewish Center, Ambridge, Pa. A member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Conway VFW, and a life member of Hadassah serving as president of the Local Chapter for 28 years. In 2000 she was named the Outstanding Leader of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Hadassah from a field of 4,000 Members. Barbara wrote a story entitled “Thin Threads” that was published in Hadassah’s 100th Anniversary book. She also received a citation of Honor from the Pittsburgh ZOA. Arrangements were entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Interment followed in the Agudath Achim Cemetery, Patterson Township. Donations may be made to Hadassah, 1824 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217, Beth Samuel Jewish Center, 810 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge PA or the MS Society. Friends and family are invited to the Shiva Minyan (service of mourning), which will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Barbara Heyman’s home.

Remembrance for Barbara

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand 

That G-d came and called my name and took me by the hand 

And when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home.

When G-d looked down and smiled at me, from his golden throne 

He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you

Today your life on earth is past and here it starts anew. 

I promise no tomorrows, but today will always last. 

And since each day is the same, there’s no longing for the past. 

So won’t you take my hand and share my life with me, 

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart 

For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.”

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