Barbara Schlee Lisk

Barbara Schlee Lisk, of Raleigh, passed away in the comfort of her home with family by her side, on December 29, 2024 at the age of 78 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born in Laurens, NY on August 28, 1946. She was the daughter of the late Wilma Kay (Bates) and Robert Hudson Waters Schlee.

Barbara was a graduate of Laurens Central School and Albany Business College. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for several years at NCSU, Wake Technical Community College, and West Cary Middle School, before her well deserved retirement.

She was a kind, generous woman who was full of life and really loved to travel with her family. She obtained a part-time job at American Airlines solely for the flight privileges, which enabled her and her family to travel to many beautiful destinations. Some of her favorite places were the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Jackson Hole, WY, Hawaii, and several Caribbean Islands.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and was quite good at it. Over the years, she and her family shared many delicious meals together, but the most special ones were always Thanksgiving and Christmas. Anyone who knew Barbara was aware of her love for all animals, especially dogs. For several years, during her spare time, she volunteered at the SPCA of Wake County. Additionally, she donated generously to numerous animal charities.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed ceramics, cross stitching, and various other arts and crafts with her children and grandchildren. She really loved working in her yard and took great pride in her lawn and garden.

As she slowed down a bit and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, her family was so fortunate to keep her at home in their loving care. However, 4 years ago, her family realized she needed more specialized care. We were very blessed to find the most amazing in-home caregiver, Kawanda Young. Kawanda provided such loving, skilled care as Barbara’s condition deteriorated, and is now considered part of our family.

Barbara (Barbie Baby to John and Grammie to her grandchildren) was predeceased by her brothers, Richard and Robert; sister, Elizabeth Schlee: and sister-in-law, Doris I. Schlee. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Grace Pooley Lisk and grandson Johnathan Eugene Pooley.

She is survived by her husband, John; daughters Juli (David) Hepner and Melissa Lisk; her seven grandchildren who she treasured time with: Rachel Vaughan; Nicholas, Meghan, William and Michael Hepner, Jordan and Jason Axline; her sister-in-law Imogene Schlee and many nieces who loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 - the 49th wedding anniversary of John and Barbara - at 2:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home. Family will receive friends following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to a place dear to Barbara’s heart- The SPCA of Wake County. https://spcawake.org/

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