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After a long and valiant battle with cancer, SEMCA Workforce Development Manager Barbara JeanAnn Pfister passed away on June 3, 2002. Barb came to SEMCA in 1996 with a background in education, job training for youth and workforce development. Barb was a caring, energetic co-worker who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Barb was a voracious learner, always looking for new projects, ideas, and methods of working to enhance the programs that she ran at SEMCA. She had a talent for quickly picking up new skills and tailoring new ideas to fit in with the SEMCA mission. “Barb was, in my mind, an acknowledged expert in Welfare Reform. She loved the programs and loved working on them. It is her DIVA-ness with welfare that first comes to mind.” said SEMCA Workforce Development Coordinator, Susan Corey. Barb loved to talk with people and spoke very freely about her medical condition. Shelly D. Johnson, Monroe County Employment and Training Department, shared the following story about Barb: “When she was in remission, I attended a meeting at SEMCA. My father had colon rectal cancer a few years prior, and I was talking to Barb while everyone was breaking for lunch. She was so supportive of my concerns regarding my father’s health issues, it was almost as if she didn’t have any of her own to worry about. Truly not selfish.” Shelly went on to comment: “In my opinion, Barb was one of the strongest, most spirited people I have ever met. Her love of life, and her family would always show through. I am sad at the loss of such a wonderful woman, wife, mother, sister, worker.” Barb loved to recognize others for their efforts and achievements. She enjoyed making certificates of recognition and presenting them to those who she thought had put forth extra effort. “I truly thought that if anyone on this planet, could beat this terrible disease, it would be Barb. She will be missed.” concluded Shelly. Justine Belvitch, SEMCA Claims Accountant, submitted this quote from Muriel Strode to describe Barb: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” |
 Barb Pfister |
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