Barbara Effross Isaacs, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on February 9, 2022 at the age of 95.  She was born in New York City to Doris and Louis Effross.  Barbara grew up in Far Rockaway, New York, with her sister Audrey and graduated from City College of New York.  She married the love of her life, Peter Isaacs, in 1948.  Barbara and Peter raised four children, first in Long Island, New York and then in Fairfield, Connecticut.  They moved to Reston, Virginia in 1980 where Barbara took a part-time job as a receptionist and assistant for the Reston Association.  She worked there until she was in her mid-80s and was a favorite of the staff.  Barbara and Peter enjoyed the theater and were active in synagogue life.  Barbara was a skilled bridge player and played well into her early 90s. She was also an enthusiastic gardener, seemingly able to bring sick plants back to life. After Peter passed away in 1999, Barbara continued her work for the Reston Association, participated in synagogue life, and played bridge.  She moved to a retirement community in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 2012 where she made new friends and participated in bridge, bingo, and trivia games.  Barbara was most proud and grateful for her "dividends" – her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Education and life-long learning were important to Barbara.  She read widely and enjoyed books and the daily paper, especially the crossword puzzles. Barbara also enjoyed needlepoint and knitting. Barbara was extremely proud that all her children and grandchildren had completed advanced degrees in their chosen fields.  She was also well-known for her ability to effortlessly produce large family meals, especially at holidays.  Her grandchildren cherished her pancakes, homemade applesauce, and chicken soup with matzoh balls.  She was also an accomplished baker of delicious pies and birthday cakes.

Barbara is survived by her four children and their spouses:  Lawrence and LeLeng, Emily and Don, Robert and Sheryl, and Richard and Leslie.  She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and their spouses:  Katy and Steve, Jill and William, Jessica and Ryan, Daniel and Yael, Sarah, Alison, Anna, Michelle, and David.  In addition, she is survived by six great-grandchildren:  Hayley, Sena, Nir, Shir, Hannah, and Maya.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m. in New York. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the charity of your choice.

Charity of Your Choice