Barbara Jost

Barbara L. Jost of Lavallette, New Jersey passed away peacefully on May 22, 2022.  She would have been 106 years old in August.  She was born in 1916 in Newark, New Jersey to Rupert and Anne (Williams) Gates.  Her father was a chemist who consulted with numerous companies.  Consequently, the family was required to move frequently, and she spent her childhood in various states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, and California.  She received her higher education at the Cleveland Art Institute and the Massachusetts College of Art.  She also received a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Kean University.  She taught art education in New Brunswick, Canada, in Elizabeth and in Roselle Park, New Jersey before her marriage to John A. Jost in 1942.  When her children were old enough, she resumed teaching in elementary school in East Aurora, New York, near Buffalo, and at Summit Jr. High School in Summit, New Jersey.  She was an accomplished artist and painting instructor, particularly in watercolors.  She was a past president of the Westfield Art Association, the Ocean County Artist Guild and the Federated Art Associations of New Jersey.  She was also a past member of the Rahway Art Association, the Plainfield Art Association, the Summit Art Association, The Hunterdon Art Museum and the New Jersey Watercolor Society.  She was elected to membership in the Buffalo Art Society, the American Artists Professional League and the Suncoast Watercolor Society of Florida.  She was a board member of the Hilton Leech Studio.  A little-known aspect of her artistic career was her love of sewing.  She made most of her own clothes for years and designed and made curtains, draperies, bedspreads and slip-covers for her home.  She was also an active member of the Lavallette Yacht Club, serving on the LYC Racing Committee and as Club Registrar for over 40 years, and was the recipient of numerous awards.  She was also an avid Bridge player. She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey, Peter, and Daniel, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  Funeral arrangements will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory can be made to either: Save Barnegat Bay, the Sailing Foundation of Barnegat Bay, or the Lavallette Volunteer First Aid Squad.

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