VIRGINIA BEACH – Barbara Friedman Leibowitz, 89, died peacefully at home on September 2.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Murray and Esther Friedman, her brother, Richard Friedman, and her husband, Phillip (Buddy) Leibowitz.
She is survived by her sister, Iris Friedman Ruden of Memphis, Tenn., her children, Roger Leibowitz (Kim) of Richmond, Susan Rodgers, and Ilene Lipton (Steve Jason), of Virginia Beach; her grandchildren Robyn Klein (Matt Cabana), Daniel Rodgers (Jennie), Seth Lipton (Brittany), Maya Hager (Zach), Matthew Leibowitz, and Evan Leibowitz, and great-grandchildren Jace Klein, Carter Lipton, Landon Lipton, Kyler Hager, and Aubrey Rodgers.
Barbara was raised in Portsmouth and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1956 and her master’s degree from Old Dominion University in 1975. She met Buddy Leibowitz when they were both 15, and they were together for the next 58 years until his passing in 2007.
She had a life-long career as an educator and guidance counselor, working in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Henrico County, Virginia school systems.
Funeral services were graveside at Forrest Lawn Cemetery. Contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to Congregation Beth El or your favorite charity.