Barbara Bennett Saffer

Barbara Bennett Saffer, 92, of Oakton, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, a few weeks after suffering from a stroke.

Born on May 6, 1933, in Braintree, Massachusetts, Barbara was the daughter of the late Stanton and Helen Bennett. She graduated from James Madison College in 1955 with a degree in Education and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education from George Washington University in 1958.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Austin M. Saffer, Jr. Together they raised three sons: Joseph (Katey), Hunton (Susan), and Lyndsay (Nancy). Her family grew to include nine cherished grandchildren — Liam, Ayden, Baillie, David, Stephanie, Christopher, Allison, Nicholas, and Haley.

She is survived by her sons Joseph and Lyndsay and their wives; her brother, Herbert Bennett; her sister, Ruth-Anne Kohlmeier, and her brother-in-law Sam Kohlmeier; and her nieces, Lynn (Steve) and Laura (Robert).

Barbara began her career as a teacher in Fairfax County, working in several schools before dedicating herself full-time to raising her family in 1968. As her children grew, she returned to education as a substitute teacher in Arlington County and also supported the family business, American Automatic Sprinkler Company.

For over 40 years, Barbara lived in Arlington, where she was active in her community and volunteered at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church. She continued to work at the family business until 2020.

In her later years, Barbara resided at Sunrise Hunter Mill in Oakton, where she embraced community life and remained active in daily activities. She was an avid crafter who loved crocheting and cross-stitching, creating countless handmade hats and beautiful granny square blankets for family and friends. She especially enjoyed exercise classes, puzzles, crafts, trivia and bingo.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Westwood Country Club, 800 Maple Avenue E, Vienna, Virginia.