Barbara Loeffler, 77; Longtime Teacher Formerly Lived In Peekskill

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- Barbara Audrey (Mason) Loeffler died Tuesday, Jan. 6, in Fleming Island, Fla., at the age of 77.

Loeffler was born Nov. 21, 1937, to Harold J. Mason and Arlene A. Ozal in the Bronx. She was a 1955 graduate of Peekskill High School, and in 1959 she earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from SUNY College for Teachers in Buffalo. 

A retired elementary school teacher, she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an educator in 1960, when she started her elementary education career in Oklahoma City. There she met her husband and started a family. She loved traveling, children, education and children's literature. She spent most of her fruitful career in Alexandria, Va., at Hayfield Elementary School, where she taught third grade. As an educator she instilled a sense of curiosity and love of learning in her own children, who have grown up to work in the field of education.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years Norman W. Loeffler of Fleming Island, Fla.; children, Andrew Loeffler of Columbia, S.C., Susan Loeffler-Bell of Mukwonago, Wis., and Amy Loeffler of Pearisburg, Va.; and six grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 9, at Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, Fla., at 11 a.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Garrison, N.Y., at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation on her behalf at alz.org.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.