Barbara Goldin of Pittsfield died on Monday, December 5, at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded and held by her loving family. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland on November 29, 1941, Barbara was raised in Dallastown and York, Pennsylvania. After high school, she attended Johns Hopkins, Case Western Reserve, and Boston University, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from each school. She was most proud of being a Hopkins nurse.
Barbara first worked in pediatric and later in psychiatric nursing. She enjoyed a distinguished 38-year career as a therapist and prescriber in Berkshire County, working at the Brien Center, Berkshire Medical Center, and in later years in private practice. Her devotion to her patients was second only to her abiding love for her family. Each person in the family has his or her story of Barbara helping them through difficult times, and of bringing the family together. Barbara embodied nursing in the best sense of the word, living selfless compassionate service to others without a trace of ego. Some may remember the company with the slogan: "We don't make _____ (fill in the blank). We make it better." Barbara did not make her friends, her family, or build her house. But everything and everyone she touched she left better. People gravitated to her with their stories, even complete strangers. She had the gift of making people feel heard and valued, and she held that gift sacred.
In addition to her family, patients, and friends, Barbara loved the Cape, spending idle time on small bay beaches, feet in the sand, reading a good book. She also loved the rolling farmlands of southern Pennsylvania where she was raised and which held a special tug on her heart. She loved Golden Retrievers, and making her house a home.
Barbara leaves her loving husband of 48+ years, Roger; her loving children Jason of Housatonic, MA., and Emmy of Astoria, Queens, N.Y.; and her retrievers Bob and Ernie. She leaves three brothers: Donald Miller of Glen Rock, PA., Gary Miller of New York City, and Randy Miller of Acme, PA., and their respective wives and husband Dot, Daniel, and Linda. She also leaves her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Elliott and Debbie Goldin of Cedar Grove, N.J. She leaves many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, all adored. She leaves her special cousin Connie of Hilo, Hawaii, her one and only "sister." And Barbara leaves many dear and beautiful friends. She treasured them all.
SERVICES: The family will receive friends at their home on Crane Avenue on Wednesday, December 7, from 6-8 pm; on Thursday, December 8, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm; and on Friday, December 9, from 2-4 pm.
A memorial service is planned for the spring.
Donations in Barbara's memory may be made to Berkshire Meadows in Housatonic, MA, where Jason resides, or to a charity of one's choice . Alternately, you can simply donate yourself to a special cause, a person who could use your support, or a stranger who might like a smile.
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