Barbara Plavin (née Freedman)

It is with profound sadness that the family of Barbara Natalie Plavin (née Freedman) announce her passing on the morning of March 22, 2026 – her 91st year. 4th of Nisan, 5786. Cherished wife of the late Morey Plavin for 54 years. Beloved daughter of the late Lewis K. Freedman and the late Bella Lande Freedman. Sister of the late Sybil Freedman Lupovitch. Barbara was the much loved and revered mother of Mrs. Lisa Plavin-Mansfield; wife of Mr. John Mansfield and Dr. Stanford Plavin and his wife; Mrs. Tally Lerer Plavin. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Shane and (fiancé-Natalie Greengrass) Alexandra Plavin; Jacob, Samara, and Sydney Mansfield. She was remarkedly blessed, loved, and treasured by her children and grandchildren. Barbara was born in 1934 in Montreal, Canada. She graduated from Sir George Williams University and taught many young bright minds in the public-school systems of Montreal. She and her family were active congregants of Shaar Hashomayim synagogue and were well established members of the Montreal Jewish community. She met her husband, Morey, while summering in the beachside community of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, back in 1961. Barbara and Morey wed on June 2nd, 1963. Barbara was an educator teaching young students in the small town of Lewiston, Maine and subsequently taught Hebrew school in the suburban communities of Boston, Massachusetts for 20 plus years. As an empty nester in the 1990s, she embarked on a new chapter as a tax preparer for H&R Block, a decision that provided her a sense of purpose.. She was a voracious reader, lifelong learner, and her continued learning of the complexities of tax preparation kept her mind and spirit active into her 90s. Barbara always emphasized the importance of having a nurturing and supportive Jewish household and that has been carried on by her children, Stanford and Lisa. The tradition of having a Bat Mitzvah was not available during her childhood. Barbara took it upon herself to become a Bat Mitzvah “girl” at the age of 89 – surrounded by her family, friends and community. Her love for travel took her to corners of the world that others only dream of visiting, where she embraced local traditions and cultures with open arms. She was always available to help a friend, share a phone call, email diligently, or attend a community theater event. Barbara's spirit will forever remain a guiding light to her family and friends. Her life was one of purpose, love, and inspiration, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Graveside on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery, 1250 Chemin de la Foret, Outremont, Quebec. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), (617) 541-5046, or click here; and American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, or click here.