Barbara Sue Stern

Barbara Sue Stern, of Little Rock, was a force in life and celebrated in death; she died March 9, 2017. Born in Bayside, Queens in 1937, she graduated from Queens College with a degree in liberal arts. She was an intellectual titan, insatiably curious, profoundly empathetic and kind, and an unrivaled judge of character. Her thirst for knowledge led to a ravenous consumption of books, forever feeding her imagination and deepening her understanding of the world. She had an open mind and a love for humanity. She was a teacher and forever a student. She was a mother, a wife, a grandmother, a role model. She was the glue that bound our family, and a North Star for our collective character. She was, quite simply, the best of us. Barbara loved but one man and built a life with him; through 60 years of marriage, Jerard Stern and Barbara raised two kids — Scott (wife Cindy) and Stacey (husband Mike Ronnel). They doted on their grandkids Sarah (husband Bryan Rogala) and Andrew (fiancée Christine Ponder). We all loved her fiercely, and we celebrate her indelible impact on our lives. She was a strong, independent woman who taught us what it means to love fully. She inspired our zest for life and quest for understanding. She leaves behind businessmen and women, a doctor, a pharmacist, a social worker, a lawyer, and journalists. Her legacy is one of love and compassion; of striving and achievement; of knowledge and understanding; but most of all, of family. The powerful play goes on, and she contributed a mighty verse. She will be missed but never forgotten. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.