Barbara Elizabeth Bischoff (Buerger), formerly of Holmdel and Forked River, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 3, 1937, at Memorial Hospital in Queens, New York, Barbara was raised in Woodmere before eventually making her home in Holmdel and, later in life, in Forked River, New Jersey.

Barbara graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and went on to earn her degree from St. John’s University. She dedicated her professional life to education, becoming a beloved 6th grade language arts teacher at Thorne Middle School in Middletown, New Jersey. Over the course of her career, she inspired countless students with her warmth, creativity, and passion for learning, before retiring in 2004.

At 16, Barbara met the love of her life, Carsten Bischoff. They married in 1959 and shared 61 beautiful years together. Their marriage was one for the ages filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Together, they raised three children—Clare, Mark, and Karen—and built a family rooted in love and support.

Barbara was a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren—Alexis, Marissa, Carsten, Catherine, Melanie, Caroline, Megan, and Brian—and a proud great-grandmother to Madison and Domenic. She cherished her role as matriarch, always making time for family and creating lasting memories through her generosity, wisdom, and joyful spirit. She especially loved taking her grandchildren on trips, sharing her love of travel and exploration.

She and Carsten were avid travelers who explored nearly every U.S. state and visited countless countries and islands. Among their favorite destinations were Aruba, Bora Bora, and Austria—places that brought them peace, joy, and a sense of adventure.

Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband Carsten Bischoff, her parents William and Sophie Buerger, and her son-in-law Salvatore Iradi, Jr.

She is survived by her loving children: Clare McCoy and her husband William of Holmdel, Mark Bischoff and his wife Angela of Barnegat, and Karen Iradi of Toms River; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara will be remembered for her strength, grace, deep devotion to her family, and the profound impact she had on everyone who knew her—as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.

In lieu of traditional remembrances the family asks that you make a donation in Barbara’s honor to either the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Fulfill at Ways To Give – Fulfill NJ

Visitation will be Saturday, May 10th from 9:00-11:00 AM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel NJ 07733. A service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at the Holmdel Cemetery Mausoleum.