Barbara Maier Gustern remembered at funeral as fatal shoving suspect Lauren Pazienza released on bail
NEW YORK - Beloved New York City vocal coach Barbara Maier Gustern was remembered Saturday by loved ones at a memorial service in Chelsea.
The 87-year-old died after police say she was pushed to the sidewalk by a stranger. The 26-year-old suspect is out on bail, awaiting a court date in April.
Outside the memorial service for Gustern, loved ones recalled her feisty positivity, warmth, and talent.
"l was taking lessons with her every week for the last, I don't know, seven or eight years," singer and songwriter Jim Adralis told CBS2's Dave Carlin. "She was a beautiful person and a person who loved very generously."
Police say the 87-year-old was fatally pushed on West 28th Street near her Chelsea home back on March 10.
Her grandson A.J. Gustern spoke during the service at Church of Holy Apostles.
"Bob-Bob lives on through our memories ... through so many of our voices on stages across the world," he said.
Charged with manslaughter in Gustern's death is Lauren Pazienza. She posted a half million dollar cash bail and was released from jail Friday.
Prosecutors say Pazienza cursed at Gustern before violently pushing her to the ground, then went to her parents' home in Port Jefferson, Long Island, waiting 12 days before turning herself in.
"What are the collective choices we make that allow such a positive force of nature like my Bob-Bob to be murdered across the street from this very church," A.J. Gustern said.
A series of shows being held in Gustern's honor this weekend include a 7 p.m. Sunday cabaret at Don't Tell Mama on West 46th Street.
"We'd rehearsed it all with Barbara and immediately after our rehearsal, this event happened, so we have no choice but to plow on without her," actor Austin Pendleton said.
Betsyann Faiella started her Saturday putting flowers on a memorial on a fence near the location of the fatal shove. She says Gustern cared for others and tirelessly volunteered at the church where the Saturday service was held.
"It would mean a lot to her if people donated to the soup kitchen," Faiella said. "I think that Barbara would say that we have to really love one another."
"So let us celebrate her. Let us believe we can become a force of nature as she was, and together we can dare to create a world where tragedies like this are impossible," A.J. Gustern said.
Pazienza is due back in court on April 25.