Claire Barabash, PhD, JD, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Brooklyn, New York on the morning of March 23, 2026, at the age of 85.

Dr. Barabash devoted her career to improving the well-being and educational opportunities of children, particularly those with disabilities. Beginning in the 1960s, she served the New York City public school system as a school psychologist and later held leadership roles with the New York City Board of Education, including clinical supervisor, regional coordinator, assistant superintendent for clinical services, and deputy assistant superintendent.

Later in her career, she earned a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and worked as an attorney and forensic consultant, combining her expertise in psychology and law to help families advocate for appropriate educational services for their children.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brooklyn College, graduating magna cum laude, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the City University of New York, and a PhD in School Psychology from New York University. She received the Brian Tomlinson Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Psychology.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Nelkin; her brother Marty Barabash and his wife, Ina Barabash; and her sister-in-law, Janelle Barabash.

She is survived by her daughter, Gamble Nelkin; her son, Tor Nelkin and his wife, Dottie Nelkin; her grandsons, Jasper Nelkin and Zachariah Nelkin; her brother, Norman Barabash; nieces and nephews Eden Bechard and Ben Bechard, April Hsieh and Travis Hsieh, Michele Fradkin and Merrick Fradkin, Scott Barabash and Kara Barabash, and Michael Barabash; grand-nieces and grand-nephews June Bechard, Megan Bechard, Jasmine Hsieh, Hendrix Hsieh, Melissa Neely, Mitchell Fradkin, and Benjamin Barabash; and her grand dog, Xiao Mogui Nelkin.

Funeral services will be held March 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Sherman's Flatbush Memorial Chapel, 1283 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Burial will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park in Stamford, Connecticut, beside her beloved husband.

For shiva details and visiting hours, please contact Gamble at 737-213-7747

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