Barbara D. Quint, a strong and fiercely independent woman, school psychologist and psychotherapist, mother of three, and long-time resident of Guilderland and Delmar, died at home in September after long illnesses. She was 91.

“Barbara was born in Hartford, Connecticut; protected by her parents, Rose and David; raised by her sister, Shirley; and sustained in laughter by sister, Gertie, nieces, Beverly, Robin, Rachel and Fran, brother-in-law, Pete, and nephews, Dick, Jordan and Howard,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She was a survivor of the 1944 Hartford circus fire.

“After graduating from Weaver High School in Hartford, Barbara attended Northeastern until money ran out. She later gained her bachelor of arts degree from Russell Sage College and then obtained her master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Study at the University at Albany. Barbara completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology there, except finishing her dissertation.

“She was a kindergarten teacher at Guilderland and then a school psychologist and Title I coordinator for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Berne/Westerlo. Barbara healed others in her private psychotherapy practice for 18 years.

“Barbara believed in the power of women. She was heavily involved in Business Professional Women’s organizations and caucuses, sometimes in leadership or mentoring roles. Barbara fought for civil and women’s rights, environmental and local issues, and corruption-free governing.

“Barbara loved and sacrificed for her children. She was a quietly firm, loving and compassionate mom every day. Barbara just wanted the best for her kids and accepted them no matter what.

“This fine lady was something else: passionate, driven, gracious, tough, smart, humble, and intensely curious about everything. She made people laugh repeatedly with a twinkle and an earnestly cute remark. Barbara flew with butterflies and planted her garden regardless of the landlord.”

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Barbara D. Quint is survived by her children, Avis (Alex), Brian (Michael), and Valerie (Greg), as well as by her grandchildren, Michael, Noah, and Sage.

“Barbara was especially supported by friends and caregivers,” her family wrote. “Her funeral will be private.

“In lieu of donations, her family requests close attention to Barbara Quint’s core values: justice and love, dignity and honesty, gracefulness and strength.

“Barbara Quint inspired others just by being herself.

“May her memory be a blessing to those she cared for and to all who loved her so deeply.”