Barbara Joseph Spigel

NORFOLK – Barbara Joseph Spigel passed away in her sleep the morning of Sept 5. She was 96 years old. Barbara led a full life. She was a student, teacher, and professor of history and literature, a lover of books, theater, Shakespeare, and bad puns. To satisfy her ambition, as well as her curious and active mind, she went to Syracuse University graduate school as a mother with two children and eventually taught at Brock and Niagara Universities. When her beloved husband of 60 years, Herman Alan Spigel, decided to change careers and become a teacher, Barbara went to work as a real estate agent. Her avocations included acting and directing, and she worked with students for productions at the Niagara District Secondary School, amateurs with the Niagara Falls Little Theater, and professionals with the Shaw Festival Theater – of which she was a founder. One other favorite activity was sailing and racing on Lake Ontario with Herman and daughters, Janet and Rosalind. Barbara and Herman purchased their boat, Bluefin, from the local boat builder, and were both co-founders and officers of the Niagara-on the-Lake Sailing Club. Barbara passed her love of theater and adventure to her children and grandchildren, Alan and Matea Linic (of Janet and Danny Linic) and Jacob Bragdon (of Rosalind Spigel and William Bragdon). She also volunteered with the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El in Niagara Falls, N.Y. In Norfolk, Barbara and Herman joined the synagogue where he grew up, Ohef Sholom. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, her father, Barnett Claude Joseph, was a patron of the arts and co-founder of NC Joseph Manufacturing, the site of her first job. Her Scottish mother, Janet Austin Walker Neill, was an accomplished pianist. The family, including her brothers, David and Alan Joseph, were patrons and regular audience members of the Shakespeare Theater. After Barbara and Herman moved back to Norfolk from Niagara Falls for their retirement, Barbara honed her writing skills and became a columnist for local Hampton Roads publications. Upon moving into Harbor’s Edge, Barbara became involved in welcoming new members, serving on the library committee, and going off script in her monologues at the Harbor’s Edge Follies, which she enjoyed immensely. A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple. Burial was private.