Slepian, Barbara's Obituary
Barbara Shirley Slepian, 85, of Cary, NC, formerly of Stony Brook, NY, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026. Although she had faced many health challenges, her passing came unexpectedly after a brief illness.
Born on December 8, 1940, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of Harry and Betty Goldman. In 1958, she graduated from Far Rockaway High School. In 1963, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mills College of Education.
She began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx and New York City. In the late 1960s, she taught in some of the earliest Head Start programs. Throughout the 1980s, she served as Preschool Director at the Setauket Parent’s Playschool. In the 1990s, she worked as a Collection Specialist for the New York State Attorney General’s Office. She happily retired to the Villagio community in Lake Worth, Florida.
A born leader, she spent countless hours planning and coordinating social events and fundraisers for the many clubs, groups, and organizations to which she belonged. Her service as President of her local Hadassah chapter was especially meaningful to her.
She loved her weekly Mahjong and Canasta games and enjoyed learning new card games and introducing them to others. She also enjoyed reading and participating in her book clubs.
Friends and family will remember her sociable and candid nature, her strong leadership, and her generous spirit.
She is survived by her daughter, Ellyn Grey, and her husband, Eric Grey; her son, Harris Slepian, and his wife, Michelle Slepian; and her beloved grandchildren, Brennan Grey and Cameron Grey. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin Slepian.
A funeral service will be held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach, FL, on May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
In memory of Barbara, the family welcomes memorial donations to Hadassah, in lieu of flowers.
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