Barbara Boshinski Futej

Barbara Boshinski Futej, 77, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at her residence. She was the loving wife of Gerald M. Futej, to whom she was married for 54 years.

Born in Newark, NJ on July 23, 1944, she was the only child of the late Frank F. and Catherine (Marose) Boshinski. Barbara graduated from St. Mary’s High School (’62) in Elizabeth, NJ, and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Caldwell College for Women (CCW) (’66). There she had a close group of friends who shared the same passion for making an impact on their world, and all worked in professions to better their community. They share a bond of friendship and academia, and actively support the alumni association of CCW, now known as Caldwell University. Barbara earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Immaculata University (’93), and for 25 years, taught Science at Bishop Shanahan High School, retiring in 2011. She developed and taught the first environmental science curriculum to be used in the high schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Barbara was proud of her work as an educator. Over the years, students frequently made her aware of the impact she had on them. More than just being in the classroom, Barbara enjoyed supporting the school community at extracurricular events, being a class moderator, chaperoning dances, and established the school’s Earth Corps. She was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the National Science Teachers Association, the National Association of Biology Teachers, and the West Chester and Barley Sheaf Players. 

Above all, Barbara’s dedication was to her family. She unequivocally supported her husband, children and grandchildren in following their passions, including long distance, weekend photography safaris. She loved being Mom-Mom. She was well-known for her crocheted baby blankets and scrapbooking, and she was quite crafty.

Surviving in addition to her husband are children Stephen Futej of Lake Worth, FL, Joanna Coleman, wife of Daniel, of Hatboro, PA, Catherine “Katie” Beck, wife of John, of Downingtown, PA; grandchildren Wren Coleman, Brennan Coleman, Benjamin Beck, Annabelle Beck, Natalie Beck and Theodore Beck.

Visitation will be held at James Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown from 5-7pm on Thursday, October 28, and at Saints Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester from 9:45-10:45am on October 29, followed there by a Roman Catholic Burial Mass at 11am. Masks are strongly encouraged to be worn by all who attend the funeral services. Interment will take place in St. Teresa Cemetery, Summit, NJ, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to Caldwell University, 120 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell NJ 07006.

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