Barbara Shiller

John Bligh November 30, 2020

Retired teacher

Barbara Shiller was a UFT member for 50 years, first as an English teacher, and then as a chapter leader and a special representative for retirees, specializing in health and pension issues.

Barbara, 80, died of natural causes in late November.

“Retirees appreciated Barbara’s sense of humor when she made presentations during annual visits to retiree sections around the country to update members on retiree and union issues,” retiree colleague Gerri Hershkowitz said. “She helped many, many retirees with health issues and always followed up to make sure their problems were solved.”

Barbara began teaching in 1963 at IS 117 in Brooklyn. She later became the chapter leader at IS 24 on Staten Island where she also was a part-time pension consultant. In 1992 she was recruited to be a full-time UFT special retiree representative, and she was instrumental in organizing the Ready or Not workshops that help prepare in-service members for retirement. She also helped prepare the booklet “What To Do When You Turn 65.”

A graduate of Brooklyn College, Barbara earned a master’s degree at St. John’s College in New Mexico.

She was honored often for her years of union service, winning the AFT’s Robert G. Porter Award, the UFT’s Smallheiser and Tom Pappas awards and, with her husband Joel who was also a teacher, the UFT Jewish Labor Committee award for service.

Barbara’s son Eric spoke of her life as a dedicated union activist and teacher, and as a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed the arts, especially theater, and fine food and traveling.

Retired Teachers Chapter leader Tom Murphy said, “Barbara’s presentations at retiree meetings were extremely well-received. Her store of information buttressed by her easygoing style and low-keyed humor always regaled retiree audiences.”

Barbara is survived by her husband of 53 years, Joel; children Louise and Eric; and grandchildren Samuel and Brooke.

Condolences may be sent to the Shiller Family at 9 Max Way, Newburgh, NY, 12550.