Former Rockville Centre resident Barbara Van Iderstine dies at 72

Former Rockville Centre resident Barbara Van Iderstine died on Aug. 14 at the UPMC Hamot medical center near her home in Fairview, Pa. She was 72.

Van Iderstine was born in Staten Island on Aug. 19, 1948, to the late Clancy and Edith (Hietikko) Knudsen, and she was preceded in death by her sister, Adele Riley.  

After graduating from Tottenville High School in 1966, she joined the financial workforce for Dean Witter in New York City, where she worked in the syndicate department issuing initial public offerings for listing on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1969, she married the love of her life, Michael Van Iderstine, at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Staten Island, two years after they met at Dean Witter in 1967.

Van Iderstine worked for 10 years until becoming a mother of two, after which she transitioned into a homemaker. With the start of their family, Barbara and Michael moved from an apartment in Queens to a house in Valley Stream, then to a long-lasting home of 35 years in Rockville Centre. In the village, Van Iderstine became a member of the Rockville Links Country Club until 2019 when she and Michael moved to Fairview, Pa. to be closer their family.  Moving that far away from Long Island came at a cost as.Van Iderstine had to give up her 48-year love affair with the Islanders hockey team, as an original season ticket holder, but she soon began nurturing a new love for the local Erie Otters hockey team, which plays as part of the Ontario Hockey League.

Van Iderstine was described by loved ones as a “kind-hearted, gentle soul,” always willing to put the needs of others before her own. Her family values are what made her house into a loving home. She was always working in the background,  planning trips, setting schedules, cooking and making everlasting memories (which were always captured by her camera,)  

Her greatest loves were Michael, her two children, grandchildren, family, friends, gardening, visiting Windham Mountain and traveling. There wasn’t a better sight for her loved ones than seeing her “dolled up,” smiling “ear to ear,” standing next to her loving husband, as they cruised around the world.

Van Iderstine is survived by her husband, Michael; her daughter, Erin Van Iderstine (Jason Zboyovski); her son, Keith Van Iderstine (Kathryn); four grandchildren, Scott Michael Van Iderstine, Conner James Van Iderstine, Kason Evan Van Iderstine, and Campbell Gray Van Iderstine; her niece, Kirsten Pantalena; Kirsten’s husband, Peter, and their children, Riley and Dahlia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Van Iderstine’s memory to the Erie Zoo, 423 W 38th St., Erie, Pa. 16508.

A memorial service for Van Iderstine was held on Aug. 20 at Edder Funeral Home in Pennsylvania. To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com.