Tributes flow for Wendy Barel
WORDS of comfort, love and support have been shared by family members, friends and colleagues of Masada College's former principal Wendy Barel, who passed away on Sunday, aged 65.
WORDS of comfort, love and support have been shared by family members, friends and colleagues of Masada College’s former principal Wendy Barel, who passed away on Sunday, aged 65.
In June this year, Barel retired from the school due to health challenges, after serving at the helm for the past 11 years.
Head of languages at Masada, Auryt Jacobson, referred to Barel as her best friend and commented, “I feel like a part of me has been lost. Wendy will be a real loss to the community.”
Barel, who grew up in Newcastle, worked with Jacobson at Yeshiva College (now Kesser Torah College), and then at Masada for the past 17 years.
“Wendy had a tremendous impact on Jewish education in Australia. She raised the bar and was so professional,” lamented Jacobson. “She strived to ensure that every child that wanted a Jewish education could be afforded that opportunity.”
At the time of Barel’s retirement, junior and high school teacher Danna Rosen said, “I do not think I know anybody that worked harder or who dedicated themselves to their place of work more than Wendy … I will always feel very fortunate to have worked under Wendy.”
Masada junior school teacher Nicole Grauman pointed to the many admirable traits Barel espoused: integrity, generosity, resilience, positivity and being independent in mind and spirit.
“Wendy displayed these traits with grace and confidence,” remarked Grauman.
Masada College posted on Facebook on Wednesday: “Wendy’s love of Judaism, her dedication to excellence in education and caring nature will continue to inspire all those that knew her. While Wendy will be sorely missed, we are grateful for her commitment and guidance over so many years …
“The board of management and college executive are committed to preserving Wendy’s legacy in all its aspects. We are very proud to have had her as our principal.”
Speaking to The AJN, Barel’s son David commented, “Mum was everything to our family. A tireless and dedicated matriarch who gave and never stopped giving. She continued cooking Shabbat dinner until her final weeks.
“Mum was there for everyone, she made time, lent ears, gave hands, and opened her heart for everyone, always and happily.”
Barel’s husband Isaac and their other children, Michael and Michelle, her mother Janese and brother Jeff, are also mourning her loss.
Her funeral is being held at the Chevra Kadisha today (Thursday).
SOPHIE DEUTSCH
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