Barbara Love, Ridgewood Lesbian And Gay Rights Activist, Dies At 85

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A feminist and lesbian rights activist who regarded herself as "loud in all the right places" passed away, her obituary published by a Ridgewood funeral home said.

Barbara Love — a writer, educator and Ridgewood community member who fought for the rights of lesbian and gay people — died of complications from leukemia and Parkinson's disease on Nov. 13, her obituary said. She was 85.

"She was fearless in fighting for civil rights and acceptance of lesbian and gay people," her obituary reads. "Her many achievements continue to influence and inspire."

A founding member of the National Gay Task Force in 1973, Love received a commendation from the group in 1982 "for working tirelessly to educate about gay and lesbian concerns," her obituary said.

Love was appointed in 1977 by the Carter administration as a New York delegate to the National Women's Conference, and co-founded the nonprofit AIDS Project Greater Danbury in 1982 to provide support services to those living with HIV/AIDS, her obituary said.

She is also a co-founder of Identity House, a peer counseling group for those identifying as LGBTQ, and of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), a support organization also allied with LGBTQ people.

She has authored four books, including "Feminists Who Changed America, 1963-1975," the "first comprehensive directory" documenting founders and leaders of the second wave women's movement, a summary said.

Love is survived by her wife, Donna Smith.