Barbara Alpren

Barbara “Bobbie” Parsonnet Alpren, 92, of West Orange died Sept. 8, 2012. She was born in Newark.

Mrs. Alpren was a fashion illustrator at Bergdorf Goodman, New York, and an interior designer. In the 1970s, she and her husband entered into the antique business together and became leading experts in Russian enamel. She was also a humorous writer; her poems and limericks have been published in The New York Times and New York magazine. Her first book, My Couplet Runneth Over, was published this past year.

She wrote numerous full-length musical parodies for the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County; The Village Club of South Orange; and The New Jersey Bridge League. She wrote hits including 1974 and Other Absurdities; Bob and Carol and Fred and Malice; The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming!; and Tenance, Anyone? In fact, in the 1960s, she declined the invitation to write the lyrics for a hit Broadway show because she was “too busy.”

Predeceased by her husband, Melvin, she is survived by her son, Thomas of Milwaukee, Wis.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 22 with arrangements by Thiel-Reid Family Funeral Home, Kearny.