Barbara Goldfarb Thorpe Miller
December 2, 2025

Funeral Information

December 5 2025 - 11:00 am
Rodef Shalom Temple, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood Avenue), Pittsburgh (Oakland), PA 15213

BARBARA GOLDFARB THORPE MILLER: Age 88 died peacefully at home on December 2, 2025. Barbara was the daughter of the late Samuel and Rachel Goldfarb of Washington, PA. and granddaughter of the late Rabbi Jacob and Zelda Goldfarb, who founded Beth Israel Congregation in Washington, PA. She grew up in Washington and attended Chatham College in Pittsburgh where she received a master's degree in English. While at Chatham she met Richard Thorpe. After Richard and Barbara married, they moved several times while Richard served in the Army as Captain and while he was in his residency in Ophthalmology, returning to Pittsburgh to start their family. After Richard's untimely passing, Barbara remarried Charles Miller, D.M.D. of Pittsburgh who predeceased her. Barbara traveled extensively and served as a docent at the Carnegie Museum of Art where she enjoyed educating the public on the Museum's extensive and ever-changing collections. She also served as the first Jewish Chairperson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Ball. Barbara will always be remembered for her generosity and her love of friends and family.

Barbara is survived by her loving son, John Thorpe, and his wife, Parima Pandkhou, and grandchildren, Lili Thorpe and Henry Thorpe, who she adored.

Services at Rodef Shalom Temple 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood), Pittsburgh, PA 15213 on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11 AM. No Prior Visitation. Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Reception after at the home of Barbara Miller.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra or the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. 
Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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WILL MISS HER EVERY DAY!

By Margery Loevner - December 09, 2025

I miss her now and will miss her forever. She was a loyal and caring friend. John, Parima, Lili, and Henry, she loved you the most.

By Bonnie Levey - December 05, 2025

Mrs. Barbara, was a very special woman with a kind and warm heart. She was a woman with a heart of gold. I've had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Barbara and it was an honor. Our conversations were the best and I will truly miss her!!! God Bless you my Friend and R.I.P ❤️ "May her memory be a Blessing" 🙌 🙏

By Derrick R Davis - December 05, 2025

As two only children with small scattered families, Barbara and I spent many holidays together. I shall miss her.

By Susan Michaels Oberg Lane - December 05, 2025

Barbara will be greatly missed, but her kindness, caring and enthusiastic personality will be long remembered rest in peace. and may your memory be a blessing.

By Rand Werrin - December 04, 2025

Dearest John and your beautiful family. My deepest thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time. Warmly, Tanya

By Tanya Brooks - December 04, 2025