Family and friends
With broken hearts we regretfully announce the passing of our beautiful Barbara Jo (BJ). She is survived by her cherished children Sebastien and Charlotte, and loving family. This page has been started for BJ's family and friends to share memories and stories about her life. A service to celebrate her life will be held in the fall of 2020. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the no... more
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Join MemoriesShe was an amazing wife,mother and grandmother she surely is missed...
Simon Kahio Simon was married
Simon Kahio Simon Kahio was born
Rhonda Liming BJ was such a lovely 3 year old flower girl at our wedding! Charlie and Rhonda Liming
Eric Stoddard Always a winner! So many great memories from SHY. Thanks, BJ, for all of the smiles you brought to so many. -Eric and all your friends from SHY and beyond
Cindi Holda I will always cherish my friendship with BJ and all of our amazing memories growing up together. She was strong, determined, focused, kind, fun, beautiful, talented, smart and so many other things. I’m so sad she is gone way too soon. Prayers to her kids, parents, siblings and all her family and friends. BJ and I in 6th grade. I remember we decided to do a “photo shoot”. We were so fashionable!
Tara Fish 7th grade at William Annan Middle School. What crew! Blessed.
Tara Fish Sent from another dear friend
Cindi Holda BJ, Cindi, Ann Marie, Tara Freshman year HS 1988
Cindi Holda BJ, Cindi and Jen 1989
Mark Albright BJ with her mother JoAnn and brother Brent on the day she was confirmed at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church.
Mark Albright BJ cleaning up after working all day at the Maine workcamp.
Rhonda Liming As an adolescent, BJ visited us in Arkansas where she was so much fun and full of joy. This is how I choose to remember her!
Mark Albright BJ playing trumpet in the Ridge High School Marching Band.
Patrick Hachey A beautiful person, inside and out!
Mark Albright Just a sweet photo of a sweet girl.
Cindi Holda JC, BJ and Eddy Senior year HS 😍
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ with her parents, brother, and friends
Tara Fish Have to post this one separately- also from pre prom party senior year. She loved this picture of us and we would laugh about it and recreate it over the years.
Tara Fish Prep prom party senior year of Ridge High School.
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ and Brent with family, 1993
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ with her Dad Craig, brother Brent, and sisters, Rebecca and Dara
Rebecca Barto Ramos Summertime BJ with her Dad, brother and baby sisters
Sarah Hart I met BJ first day of Freshman year at Gettysburg College. We became buddies because of the swim team, but became forever family as sisters in Chi Omega. She always brightened my day and made getting through that first year of college so much easier. I regret we lost touch a few years after college, but she has always held a special in my heart. A few weeks ago I drove by her old apartment on Pine St in Philly and it immediately brought a smile to my face. Such a sweet soul gone way too soon, but I know there’s another angel watching over all of us tonight. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile and her giving heart. Love ya Barbara Jo!
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ and Brent at his high school graduation.
Dara Connell BJ with her stepmom and extended family
Growing up, I was always in awe of you - being my older, cooler, only girl cousin. I remember how Gramps and my dad would tell me how would tell updates from your life and I would just revel in them - how I would remind them of you when I would do something. I remember Gramps giving me a pearl necklace once for my birthday and him telling me he gav...
Tara Fish BJ came and visited me at college in Paris for spring break. We visited the city- and then went to the Loire Valley where we stayed in a castle, took long walks, drove down windy country roads and of course ate, drank and laughed a lot.
Tara Fish One of many great dinners at the Wapelhorst house with our drink of choice- champagne of course!
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ with her Mom, JoAnne and Dad, John
Rebecca Barto Ramos Graduated from Gettsyburg College
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ with her Dad at Gettysburg Graduation
Wendy Baribeau My heart is broken. I am praying for B and her family. Xoxo
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ and her best friend Tara in Brussels
Ed Esposito Remember how much it meant to me for you to travel to CA to spend this special day with me and my family. Thank you for loving me and others throughout your life and showing up for us.
Dara Connell Radiant BJ
Dara Connell BJ at Tara's wedding in Positano
Rebecca Barto Ramos Sebastien's Birthday- BJ and her Mom
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ and her sisters Rebecca and Dara
Tara Fish BJ was the maid of honor at my wedding in Positano, Italy along with my sister. She loved it there.
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ and Charlotte- beautiful baby
Rebecca Barto Ramos Brent and Heather's wedding in Paris with BJ, Tara and Katie.
Rebecca Barto Ramos Heather, Brent and BJ at their wedding in Paris
Rebecca Barto Ramos Brent's wedding in Paris with BJ and Mom
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ and Charlotte in South of France
Such a monumental loss. BJ was an amazing woman who brought out the best in all who had the great fortune to know her. She went out of her way to make one feel accepted and loved, and made learning such fun. When our young daughter was interested in Robotics and nothing was offered in the district, BJ went out of her way to personally take her to U...
I was shocked and shattered to hear that Ms. Lemaire had passed away. She was the most kind, supportive, and loving teacher that I have ever had. In 2012 and 2013 she was my Pull-Out Challenge teacher, and changed the lives of me and many other students. We boasted and bragged about being in that class, but our joy didn't come from leaving normal c...
Dayna Hendrickson BJ was like no other. She was one of the most talented colleagues I’ve had the pleasure to work with. She could sing, act, draw, write poetry and song lyrics, and make everyone around her laugh and feel happy. When BJ had an idea there was no stopping her. I mean who else do you know that can turn “mold masks” into fashionable fasinators!?! Her passion& drive, creativity, wit, spark and smile will be greatly missed.
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ teaching at Duke Farms, for a program she founded
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ reading to her favorite niece, Emerson
Rebecca Barto Ramos BJ, Sebastien and Charlotte at Halloween
I met BJ in 2019 when I had recently relocated back to the United States. She offered to give me swimming lessons and was such an encouraging and fun teacher. I was so grateful to her for showing that kindness to me during a time of challenging transition. To her children - she talked about you all the time and had so much love for you.
Dara Connell The Barto siblings at Rebecca's wedding after party
Rebecca Barto Ramos No matter the disparity between your life and mine – in age, mothers, physical distance, physical features…you always made sure that I knew, and the world knew, you were my big sister. Any doubt I could have possibly felt in what I meant to you because of our awkward family dynamic, was squashed before existence because of your unwavering thoughtfulness, care, and affection toward me- always. You never once forgot my birthday, you checked in, you offered support and guidance when none was requested but you knew there was need. It was always a little surreal that such a stunning blue eyed blonde, this talented, creative, intelligent, witty, capable, graceful, athletic, beautiful human, was mine to call big sister. And it is surreal now, to accept you are gone. When you were happy and healthy you were a piece of heaven on earth, and I like to imagine the remarkable and magnificent angel you must be now. Happy Birthday, B. I will never forget your birthday, either.
Amy Miele Today is a day I will never forget. I couldn’t believe it when I heard. I try heard to remember that I feel this grief because you meant so much to me in life and this sorrow is the price I must pay for having you as my friend. I miss you. 💔
Erin Foley-Moudry Photo from 1988 which was fall of our freshmen year (only good shot I could find so far), but what memories I have of you BJ. Your beautiful smile. Singing in church choir together and playing bells and complaining afterwards about how strict Mr D was. Your athleticism balanced by your musical talents. The way you called me Boo and I called you Bee during softball season. I am so sorry you are gone beautiful soul. You will live on in so so so many hearts. In mine, you will look just like you do in this cover photo. I remember we had the same sweater and on occasion would wear it the same day and would roll our eyes and laugh. I love you Bee. You will be missed. Xoxo, Boo Thank you Mark Albright for the photo Xo
Alison Keith DeRosa Fun memories from the GBurg & post GBurg days ...
Norman Payne Ms.Barto and I always saw eye to eye. After class I would stay with her and we would just chat and hangout. She picked out my dance outfits and I always told her we would be friends when I was older. The last few years every time I was home between doing shows I would hangout with her and we had such a great time catching up and spending time together. She always was there to chat and have a good time together and talk about life and fashion, music, news and literally anything. She’s such a memorable and important part of my upbringing and such an unforgettable person, and a friend. She’s one of a kind and I am so thankful for her in my life.
It’s so hard to share all of the wonderful memories I shared with BJ over the years. You couldn’t help but love her! Her laugh made you laugh. Her enthusiasm made you enthusiastic. She had an easy way of brightening up a room with her energy. I was blessed to have known her and teach with her. Thank you for always giving your all in everything you...
Amy Miele I’ll never forget this day in 2020. It was the day that I lost one of my best friends. I know that I will never “get over” your loss. I will just learn to live without you. I still have days where it just doesn’t feel real. I go to text you something that I know you would love or find ridiculous and I remember. I miss you. 💔💔
One of my most influential teachers in my early education. I was in her Pull-out challenge class at South Valley in the early 2000s. I have so many vivid memories in her class learning about the Seven Wonders of the World and recreating the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. She expected a lot from us at such a young age but only because she knew we could...
Gregg Albright So sad. My daughter drew this last night when I heard. She was so fun, so smart, and such a beautiful person.
Allison Norton BJ- you brought enthusiasm to all you did. My kids will always cherish their reading times with Ms. Lemaire. The “Country House” misses you
I remember hanging out as kids watching a movie at what was Yasmine and Craig’s apartment in Clinton the “pink house”. Brent was there my mom and sister and we watched a scary movie. Fast forward to their house in Bloomsbury when we were older and seeing you for the famous Barto Christmas party that no one ever forgot! You were always so gracious a...
Kelly Stratton I love and miss you my beautiful friend. 💗
So saddened to learn about this news. I have many middle school and high school memories of BJ. She was so fun and so kind. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Erin Foley-Moudry Photo from 1988 which was fall of our freshmen year (only good shot I could find so far), but what memories I have of you BJ. Your beautiful smile. Singing in church choir together and playing bells and complaining afterwards about how strict Mr D was. Your athleticism balanced by your musical talents. The way you called me Boo and I called you Bee during softball season. I am so sorry you are gone beautiful soul. You will live on in so so so many hearts. In mine, you will look just like you do in this cover photo. I remember we had the same sweater and on occasion would wear it the same day and would roll our eyes and laugh. I love you Bee. You will be missed. Xoxo, Boo Thank you Mark Albright for the photo Xo
Leigh Ann Mooney Your beautiful, radiant light that lit up the room will forever be cherished. Your contagious energy and smile will never be forgotten. You have definitely made such an impact on so many and will be greatly missed! Xo
Even though I did not go to RHS, she was one of many members of the Class of ‘92 that made me a welcomed part of the Maine workcamp. Godspeed!
Amy Miele My beautiful friend at one of our Boys Read events. I have no other words right now. I love you! 💔
Kristen Kowalczyk You were my constant ray of sunshine. So many memories, secrets & dreams we’ve shared. You brought warmth and love to every room you entered. I know you are watching over us. Heaven gained a shining angel. We lost a beautiful, loyal, intelligent friend . I miss you more than you can imagine ❤️I love you, BJ.
Sangeeta Doshi BJ at SJ Boys Read events. Thank you BJ for your great energy and your positive influence on the lives of our boys and so many more with your legacy of love for reading and learning. You had a great way to connect with children. Our deepest sympathies are with your whole family. Hugs and love, Shaan, Vishal, Shailen, Nilesh & Sangeeta Doshi
She was an amazing teacher and even more amazing friend. I’m grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with her this past year and am devastated to learn of her passing. My condolences to her family, especially her children whom she loved beyond measure.
Mrs. Lemaire has shaped the person that I am today in too many ways to count. I was delighted to be part of the pull-out Challenge program at South Valley because I knew that Mrs. Lemaire would find some way to make every moment of it special. I can't help but remember every tiny detail that made her one of the most memorable teachers I've ever had...
Connor Megill: Mrs. Lemaire was one of the first teachers that I met when I moved to Moorestown in 2nd grade. She was one of my favorite teachers from South Valley. I have a lot of great memories from being her Challenge program. I loved being one of her “pull-out peeps” (as she called us). She motivated us to ask questions and to think outside t...
Ed Esposito I've been friends with BJ since the first day of 6th grade band class; we met sitting next to one another in the trumpet section. Ever since 1985, she's been a part of almost every major event in my life; sometimes actively involved, others just showing up to support, and during recent years- simply reaching out over the phone to share her genuine love and concern. Looking back, its not the major events which stand out about our friendship, it's all the good, simple stuff in between: - it's afternoons spent playing on Ash St - it's hearing her voice yelling at me (not cheering) from the band section - it's three hour car rides back home from G'burg - it's the late night talks at her place off Water St - it's weekend days spent on a boat off LBI - it's hundreds of calls from all over the country spent in disbelief that we're actually adults I've got countless stories of laughs and hugs and talks and tears and cheers and condolences and congratulations and what-were-you-thinking's. Sorry I can't pick just one to share. I'm simply honored to have lived life along side someone of BJ's caliber. She is a wonderful friend. I'm so sad she's gone. I pray she's found peace and knows how loved she truly is. I Love you B- Eddy 1996- us hanging out at Gettysburg
Kyle Thumar Mrs. Lemaire was one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever known, both in and out of the classroom. She helped shape me into who I am today. When she and Mrs. Miele came to Cam and me in sixth grade with an idea to start an organization for guys who loved to read, I had no idea that it could become something so important. With her guidance and vision it grew from a group of 5 kids in a Barnes & Noble to something that dozens of young guys around South Jersey looked forward to every month. She had a way of captivating a room and engaging every person in it. From our weekly challenge questions at South Valley, to Boys Read, to adulthood, she pushed me to achieve my goals and helped me realize the type of person I wanted to be. I will miss her dearly, may she rest in peace. Here she is at a Boys Read event, helping promote reading to a generation of young guys.
Stella Hearn BJ was one of a kind. She was a caring, loving, fun and kind person. She always went above and beyond to help and make you happy. She was the first one there if you needed anything. Always there with her bright smile and words of wisdom. She taught my son at WAMS. I worked with her at South Valley. We had many laughs and good times. She was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day! She was my ‘go to’ for clever ideas and suggestions. If you were down she would get you up. She was always positive and up beat. BJ is and will be forever truly missed. 💔😢 The last text I sent her was the song, You Got A Friend.💛 I love you my friend! Rest In Peace! You will always be in my heart!!!❤️❤️ PS: this would usually be sent to her to proof read for me before posting. 😀😀💛💛💛💛
To BJ’s Family, my sincere sympathies for your loss, wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. I worked with BJ at South Valley School. She was a brilliant Teacher! I will cherish beautiful memories of BJ, her warmth, kindness and gentle support and yes that bright smile, ...
Nikhil Thumar Mrs. Lemaire changed my life for the better more than any other person. From 3rd grade when she forced me to do the pull-out program even though I wanted to stay in class with my friends, to my UES years where she insisted that I play a role in SJ Boys Read, all the way through MHS when she demanded that I take on a bigger role in the program with Kyle and Cameron leaving for college, Mrs. Lemaire always pushed me to do more and be more than I thought I could, and she was always right. She went from being a teacher, to a mentor, to a friend who I will always look at as a shining example of what I should strive to be. My deepest condolences to her family and may she rest in peace.
Tiffany Wapelhorst BJ and Tiffany at Tara's wedding in Positano.
Dara Connell BJ with her Dad and Brent at Brent and Heather’s wedding
There are no words that can express our sorrow at this time. We remember BJ from sixth grade always coming over to our home and hanging out with Tara. Sometimes she would sleep over and I would always say" How do you guys fit in a twin bed". They would giggle. BJ told Tara that one of her favorite memories after sleeping over that Tara's Dad, He...
I am so blessed to have been able to participate in the Pull Out Challenge program in South Valley. Mrs. Lemaire always inspired me to be creative; she helped me develop confidence in myself and my ideas. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I have been changed for the better because of her. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lemaire family.
Mike Honoshowsky On behalf of my family I express our condolences. BJ you were an extremely talented girl that unsurprisingly became an extremely talented woman that the world will miss. Rest In Peace and our prayers are with you and your family.
Carin Troy BJ your loss is monumental in this community. The number of students’ lives you impacted can’t be counted. You were THAT teacher who connected with students and encouraged them to embrace their talents and cheered them on. The impact you made on Emily’s life can’t adequately be described. You taught her that it was cool to be smart and to use her talents to make the world a better place. I hadn’t seen you in a few years until last spring when we ran into each other at a lacrosse fundraiser. I’ll never forget the hug you gave me. And we always picked up right where we left off when we ran into each other - from catching up on our kids to our love of sailing. We never skipped a beat. That night you asked about Emily - she was one month away from graduating from Gettysburg College - another bond you shared. And then we discovered that you were both Chi O sisters. The bond was endless between you both. Rest easy now BJ. You were one of a kind and your impact on my family will never be forgotten. ❤️
Claire Kenny
Dara Connell
Circa 2002 she had me at Hello. We met whilst teaching together at S.V. School. On day one, she called me Woojie. No-one had called me Woojie since my own elementary years. But, somehow/someway, B.J. had an uncanny, instinctive gift of reading others...finding their heart spot and running with it. She used her gift to bring others joy & laughter...
Pierre Lemaire BJ adored her Charlotte and her Sébastien. Thank you for two amazing kids, BJ. They will continue to make you very proud. 💜
Amy Miele Happy Birthday. I love you!! ❤️
Amy Miele I’m thinking of you today as I do most days, but today I am thinking of your birthday. You made birthdays so special for all those you loved. We all benefited from your generosity, your love and your creativity. I hope today there is a fuss being made of you. I like to think that maybe you have connected with the group of amazing moms gone before: mine, Kate’s and all of the other heavenly mothers; and they have brought you into their group where you belong, and they are heaping on you the mentoring and mothering you gave to all of us. I know that I will never forget the love and friendship you gave to me. I miss you and love you, today and every day. Be peaceful my friend and know how much you are loved and missed! Happy Birthday! ❤️🌸, Amy
Kristen Kowalczyk Happy Birthday, B! I hope you are celebrating and feel all the love that you always made me feel on my birthday. You made sure birthdays were “a big deal” and went above and beyond to make the celebration memorable. I miss you more than you know. As I pull off my disgusting nail polish- I wish we were having our birthday lunch and spa day today. You are truly an angel. I am celebrating you today and every day! Starbucks on me today! I love and miss you, B!❤️😘
Happy birthday, dear friend. You are missed more than words can express. But one day, we will meet again. In the meantime, explore your new Home. Meet all the great thinkers, writers, artists, and helpers. Sing and laugh. And don’t forget to stop and smell the peonies—planted just for you. We love you, BJ.
Brent Barto Happy Birthday, you are loved and missed
Lori Beckendorf Happy Heavenly Birthday, B 💖 This pic exemplifies how I will forever remember you.....your gorgeous blonde hair falling into your face and your bright, beautiful smile and eyes that brought so much love and joy to anyone in your presence!!! Over the past few months I have talked about you with both people who knew and loved you and people whom you had never met. Each time, I spoke about the incredible impact you had on my teaching career and who I grew to be as a mom and person. I wasn’t the only lucky one....because you were a bright, shining light and cheerleader for so many....but I will be eternally grateful for our time together! You were in my corner from the start of my time at SV and you challenged me and always believed in me. You were my inspiration for taking risks with my lessons, helping “boy writers” thrive in my classroom, and for encouraging me to take on the role of teaching other teachers. You were one of my mentors, my go-to for email wording and lesson creation, and most importantly my dear friend who always knew how to chill me out and make me laugh!! I would give anything to hear you scream “BECKENDORF!!!” down the hallway!! My heart is heavy for your family and everyone you touched with your beautiful, selfless, vibrant heart! I have no doubt you one heck of a strong angel! I promise to keep your memory alive and will think of you every time I do my “I Need My Monster” lesson your helped me create.....or one of the many other plans we built together! I will never forget the impact you had on my life!! I am grateful and honored to have been your friend!! With Love, Lori
Holding my birthday twin, B.J. near & dear in my heart & mind as July 16 approaches. No matter what life brought our way...she NEVER missed a beat & was often the first to reach out to acknowledge & celebrate. I can hear her voice so joyfully wishing us both a Happy Birthday! As each 7/16 comes & goes & the wrinkles & gray hair take hold...the sou...
Tara Fish Happy Birthday my oldest and dearest friend. Miss you every day. Hope they threw a great party in heaven for you! Xoxo Love you
Remembering the New Year’s Eve I stayed over and you made me truffle pasta! We had so much fun, and I’ll cherish the memories always. Missing you everyday, but especially today. Love you too much ❤️
Rebecca Barto Ramos Thinking of you ❤️
We love you so much! Just thinking about all the beautiful ways you shared your love with everyone you met. Sending our love today and every day.
Missing you every day, but especially in the last several weeks. You are so loved. Peonies are in full bloom, making me think of you. Thank you for giving me so many beautiful memories to cherish and celebrate. I hope you feel my hugs.
Thomas Campbell writes “to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Well if this is true my dearest BJ you have not gone away because you live in my heart and my thoughts every day. Love you today and always. 🌸❤️
Pierre L You would have been so proud of your kids this week. Sébastien’s prom was amazing. Charlotte was amazingly supportive. And yesterday he graduated from MHS under the watchful eye of Thornton’s, Barto’s, Liming’s, Lemaire’s and many more watching the live stream. Charlotte and her Madrigals sang in the ceremony and screamed his name when he was announced. The entirety of the Madrigals is rumored to have yelled “That’s my brother!” Sébastien wore my wedding tie to have you be close to his heart. You are missed. You’d be so proud of him. ❤️
Happy Birthday lovely one! Thinking back to birthdays we celebrated with pedicures and tea. I miss you and love you! 🌺❤️
Missing you. Woke up thinking of you and wishing we could spend the day together on the vineyard. Love you so much.
Kara James Lost my wonderful father on the 4th of November 2010 god needed him and sent for him I think about dad every day and I know that he is up above doing gods work with mum
Thinking of you today. I miss you and think of you most days. I hope you are at peace now. I am picturing you drinking some tea and plotting how to best help your people down here, exactly the way you did before. Have a blessed day, angel friend!
Thinking about you and how much you’d enjoy this gorgeous day. Need some of your creativity and ingenuity at the moment. Also, reading a book you’d love, which makes me smile. Love you so much. Miss you every day.
Another birthday without my birthday twin. Will live the rest of my years remembering your beauty and your spirit that lit up a room. Will live the rest of my years never taking for granted the little things in life that bring joy...like trips to your beloved CHEGG on LBI...scones from Pie Lady... coffee& catching up with a friend @Starbucks. Wen...
Amy Miele Happy Birthday BJ! Miss you every day, love you always!! ❤️❤️
Happy birthday, my beautiful sister! Thinking of you enjoying the beauty that must be all around you. Will toast to all you are to me and everyone who knew you. You made a difference in this world, and you mean the world to me ❤️
Bert Tetreault Another year without my pal. Today I played a voicemail I saved just to hear your voice . How I wish I had answered your call so I could speak with you live…yet, ever so grateful that when missing you I have the sound & spirit of your joyful, happy voice reminding me of our friendship sharing all things SJP…our fave treats @ Trader Joe’s…CHEGG & Pie Lady…singing along to our favorite tunes…hearing about your love of your dear children & your family trips to the Vineyard & LBI. I miss you, my dear, sweet friend. Your pal, Woojie (Sandi Tetreault)
Sandi Tetreault Another year without my pal. Today I played a voicemail I saved just to hear your voice . How I wish I had answered your call so I could speak with you live…yet, ever so grateful that when missing you I have the sound & spirit of your joyful, happy voice reminding me of our friendship sharing all things SJP…our fave treats @ Trader Joe’s…CHEGG & Pie Lady…singing along to our favorite tunes…hearing about your love of your dear children & your family trips to the Vineyard & LBI. I miss you, my dear, sweet friend. Your pal, Woojie (Sandi Tetreault)
I always think of you when I see a ladybug. On Saturday, a ladybug landed on my arm. I brought it home and gave it a home in my shamrocks (double lucky!) - let it fly free at the beach today, hoping it found it’s way to you to deliver my love ❤️