Klein was a resident of the village, and graduated from South Side High School in 1957. Afterward she raised two children, Karen and Bruce.
She began her professional career as a speech and English teacher. She soon realized, however, that she had a special interest in educating very young students, and she became a nursery school teacher and the nursery school director at Temple Sholom in Bellrose.
Klein eventually left teaching to begin what became a successful career in sales. She was the sales manager for the "Getting to Know You" publication, which was a welcome guide for new residents. In 1988 she began an 11-year stint with the Herald Community Newspapers in Lawrence, eventually becoming director of sales and marketing for the papers. "Barbara was a wonderful human being," said Stuart Richner publisher of the Herald Community Newspapers. "She was a terrific employee, always upbeat and enthusiastic, and the person we could always count on to do what was needed."
Klein eventually left the Heralds to manage a Snelling Personnel franchise in Rockville Centre for her good friend Pat Huber. "Barbara was always a pleasant, cheerful gal," said Huber. "She was just the kindest person, and would light up whatever room she walked into."
Klein was vice president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce for many years. "She was my right-hand woman," said former chamber President Dr. Michael Rechter. "We loved her. She knew everyone, and she knew everyone's businesses very well. You could say she really was the unseen president of the chamber."
Three years ago, Klein was the first recipient of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce's service award. The award was created to honor an individual who volunteers behind the scenes. "The recipient is always an unselfish contributor," Rechter explained. This year the chamber decided to name the award after Klein. "She was thrilled," said longtime friend and chamber member Karen Resnick. Klein was scheduled to present the award to this year's recipient at the chamber installation dinner on Tuesday at Temple B'nai Sholom.
Klein is survived by her daughter, Karen Chazan (Ira), her son, Bruce Klein (Laura), her sister, Gail Goldberg, and three grandchildren, Rami, 9, Jordana, 6, and Samantha, 20 months.
