Barbara Rose Schirmer
1948 – 2023
Barbara Rose Schirmer passed away on February 3, 2023 at the age of 74. Barbara grew up in the Bronx and then White Plains, New York. She earned bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in education from University at Buffalo, State University of New York, and University of Pittsburgh. She and her husband of 50 years, Jack, met on a blind date while students at University at Buffalo. They raised a daughter and son, Alison Lockman and Todd Schirmer.
Barbara worked in academia in a variety of roles during her career, from teaching to many years in the wild world of college administration. She was a renowned researcher and published author of countless articles and several books related to literacy and deafness. Her work brought the family to Wisconsin, Oregon, Ohio, Michigan, and New York, before she retired (to teach fully online, continue with her research, and freelance edit/consult—never really retired) to New Jersey.
Barbara was an unofficial member of the fashion police, a helpful advisor for all things fashion- and etiquette-related, and enjoyed (along with her grandchildren) paying attention to trends on the red carpet. She was an avid reader of mystery and crime novels, never put off by topics that the rest of her family found unsettling, and was an expert at sudoku. She was a connoisseur of bourbon and black and white cookies, an excellent and enthusiastic bowler, and a yearly stalwart in the local Turkey Trot.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents Bella and Jack Edberg, and brother Stephen Edberg. She is survived by children Alison and Todd, son-in-law Jeffrey Lockman, grandchildren Margaret, Sam, and Annie, and several nieces and nephews.
To honor Barbara’s memory, contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choosing.
Funeral services and burial are 2:00pm on Sunday, February 5th at Ewing Cemetery, 78 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ.
Arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.
As a cousin to Jack, I also was a cousin to Barbara. I am so sorry to hear that she has passed and send my deepest condolences to all the family. Barbara was always fun. Kind and happy when we visited at the Vinette family picnics and it was always great to see her and Jack . May she rest in peace, holding Jack’s hand once again. My love and sympathy to all the family.
I was Barbara’s advisor at The University at Buffalo. She was one my favorite students. Smart, dedicated and fun to be around. I don’t remember whether I chaired her dissertation committee, but I was on it. We’ve stayed in touch thru Facebook. My deepest sympathy to her loved ones.
I worked with Barbara at Walden University and always found her to be kind and very insightful and incisive. I learned a lot from her and will miss her.
Steve Wells, EdD
When Barbara was in Oregon we wrote an article together and it was published in The Journal of Reading after 2 years of research We presented numerous times together and I learned a great deal from her.
Rest in peace dear friend and thanks for all your guidance and support 🤟
W.Bond
Dr. Barbara Schirmer was my professor at Walden University! She was a tough professor, but those are the best kind! After all college is for learning! I hated to hear she passed! My condolences to the family!
Dr. Barbara Schirmer was my professor at Walden University! She was an exceptional professor who inspired us to do our best. I am saddened to hear about her passing. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Gwendolyn
Dr. Schirmer was a remarkable professor at Walden University. She was so kind to extend her condolences to me several weeks ago, as I was grieving the loss of my dad and starting her class the same day. My deepest condolences are extended to Dr. Schirmer’s family and friends.
Obergenia
Thank you, Dr. Schirmer, for your insights and your generosity! I am blessed to have you as one of my professors at Walden University. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to your family. Rest in peace, our dear Dr. Schirmer.
Barbara was my boss at Saint Rose, and I’ve had few better. In a time of chaos and uncertainty she was kind and forthright and a fixed navigational point that couldn’t be nudged or battered by the storm. I never knew her family – besides her stories about Jack – but let me share in their grief by saying that she is missed and she made a profound difference in her short time at the college. I’m so sorry for your loss- and I’m sad to have lost a friend.
-Drew Urbanek