Barbara Ann Begelfer

Barbara Ann Begelfer, lovingly known as “Babs,” passed away at home on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the age of 87 in her home in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born in New Rochelle, NY, Babs dedicated much of her life to serving others, caring for both her parents as they aged, being a kind friend to everyone she might meet, and she worked diligently as a bookkeeper for many years prior to retirement in 2011. She was widowed in 2013 by her beloved husband of 44 years, Norman Begelfer, whom she adored and took dedicated care of during his declining years.

Babs’ life was a testament to her unwavering faith and love for the Lord. She was a sweet, gentle, funny, she loved anything “Snoopy”, and compassionate woman whose warmth of spirit and soul touched everyone she met. She spent her final years surrounded by family, living with her devoted step-son, Richard Begelfer, his fiancée, Abby Heilman, and their four cherished black cocker spaniels, Bugsy, Hewey, Dewey & Lewey, who brought her immense joy.  They were her children.  Her greatest joy each day was feeding them, “cleaning” up after them, and watching TV with them.

She is survived by her step-son, Richard Begelfer, her soon-to-be step-daughter, Abby Heilman, her step-daughter, Constance Begelfer-Lambert, grand step-daughter Grace Lambert, and her dear cousins Jeff, Brian & Barry McGrane, and their sister Laurie, Linda Kanfi, and Harry Posner. Babs was blessed with a loyal and loving friend and caregiver, Glenda Martin, who remained faithfully by her side. She also leaves behind a community of good friends and church buddies from the North Port Community United Church of Christ, where she found strength and solace, and her very dear friends from New York, Anita “Girlfriend”, Betty, Selma, Luz, Anita S., and Luz#2.  And, of course, the dogs.

Babs’ sweet smile and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the countless memories of those many lives she touched.