It is with profound sadness that we share with you the passing of Barbara Teresa Kissane, who died peacefully on Saturday, April 4th, at the age of 55.
Lifelong resident of Riverdale in the Bronx, Barbara was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret of Cortona Church, where her faith and community roots ran deep. Barbara was an amazing daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Barbara dedicated her life to education. She earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Education from Hunter College and began her teaching career at PS 206. She later joined PS 87, where she spent most of her career as Assistant Principal. Barbara loved her students fiercely and took immense pride in their accomplishments, both during their years in her school and long after they moved on. She was PS 87’s greatest champion, whether cheering at the annual street fair, supporting the fundraising auction, or simply wearing her PS 87 sweatshirt with pride. Throughout her career, she formed lasting, meaningful connections with students, families, and colleagues.
Barbara embraced life with joy and curiosity. She loved traveling with friends, taking drives to Rockaway, spending weekends in Montauk with family, and cheering on her favorite teams: the Yankees and County Kerry. Many of these moments she shared with those who followed her on Facebook, where her enthusiasm for life was unmistakable. She was also the family’s global connector - keeping in touch with relatives and friends near and far, organizing gatherings, and bringing people together. She was, in every sense, the glue.
Barbara loved Irish music, Sunday afternoons often included listening to Ceal na Gael on WFUV, a cherished ritual that reflected her deep connection to family, heritage and home.
For those who knew Barbara, it was clear that her greatest joy was her family, especially her twelve nieces and nephews. Being “the awesome Aunt” was her favorite role, attending every birthday party, sporting event and recital – always the biggest cheerleader. She delighted in spoiling them with shopping trips and creating unforgettable memories through special vacations. Barbara loved making them happy, and they adored every moment with her—laughing, adventuring, and occasionally getting into a bit of mischief when parents weren’t looking. Her nieces and nephews will forever cherish the love, generosity, and joy she brought into their lives.
Barbara is predeceased by her loving parents Ann (Toolan) and Patrick Kissane.
Barbara is survived by her seven siblings: Marguerite, Patrick, Stephen, Ann Cole (Andrew), James (Susan), Carolyn, and Robert (Yuri); and by the lights of her life—her beloved nieces and nephews: Brenda Kissane; Zachary and Trinity Cole; James, Roch, and Liam Kissane; Samantha and Aiden Kissane; Patrick and Christopher O’Mara; and Luke and Ella Kissane.
Reposing will be held on Friday, April 10th, at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Margaret of Cortona Church at 9:45 AM on Saturday, April 11th. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Barbara’s life was defined by her generosity, her loyalty and her unwavering presence for those she loved. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Margaret of Cortona School or the Alzheimer’s Association.