Greg Ehrhardt

This very touching recollection of Barbara was sent to me by Ellen (Prince) Temple

Barbara Sailer (Par) & I did reconnect, after I moved to Kinnelon with my family in the late nineties.  I had no idea that she & her 2nd husband, whom she called “Par,” were living across town - As I became acquainted with one of my own neighbors whose married last name was “Sailer” we realized through conversation that this new friend of mine was actually married to Barbara’s younger brother Larry!  Wow and Barbara was actually living across town, teaching 4th grade in the Kinnelon school system !! (small world!!).

We were very happy & excited to finally reunite!.  She made sure that my youngest daughter, Brittany, was placed in her own 4th grade class (great timing for us!!) Barbara was a fantastic teacher & Brittany was one of her favs!! Barb was the first one to notice & to make a point of telling me what a talented writer my daughter was & she really encouraged her - writing is Brittany’s  passion to this day. Often I would go into her class & assist the kids with their reading program or whatever she needed me to do.  It was a fun time.  I’d also like to add that Barbara was an avid & extremely accomplished Bridge player. She was a highly intelligent woman as anyone who’s even attempted to play Bridge can attest to.                                    

Barbara & I also attended one of our mini RHS reunions together in the early 2000, held at a NJ country club where Bruce Jacobs was a member - it was a smaller crowd but a very nice experience & fun re-connecting with many from our class.  Barb & I go way back, both of us having grown up on Lincoln Ave in Rutherford & attending Pierrepont School thru RHS.                                  

Unfortunately & very sadly she was stricken with cancer in the early 2,000’s only a few years after we had reunited. She was eventually hospitalized - I often spoke to her on the phone from her hospital room - it was an awful time when she passed not too long thereafter and several of us from our class went to her wake.                                         

Brittany & I think of “Mrs. Par” still & speak of her from time to time. I’m so grateful we got to cross paths once more if only for those few years.        

Barb was a great teacher & dear friend.   I miss her.   

Ellen Temple (Prince)

Bruce Holley

I want to thank Ellen for the very kind and very valid comments about Barbara. I showed your comments to our sons and both expressed their gratitude.  Barbara was one terrific lady and an above excellent teacher.  She started teaching when I was finishing up my BS in Virginia.  She taught in an all black eliminatory school and was loved by all teachers, parents, and students.  Even after we divorced, we remained good friends and were in touch with each other often.  In fact I was with her in the hospital on the day she died.  Very very sad.   Thank you again, she is much missed by me and the boys.  Oh, by the way I taught her to play Bridge, but in a very short period of time she was far better then me.

Bruce Holley

Hubert W. Meyer

My recollection is that Barbara was involved in arranging the 20th reunion, so in 1989 I wrote to her asking if she had any knowledge of a 25th reunion.  She wrote back a very nice letter.  I was so touched by her kindness that I saved it inside my yearbook all these years.  I will attempt to attach a scan of the letter; It shows her kindness and friendliness, and it should bring back memories for many of you.  

Bert