Barbara Caroline Schiller

Barbara (Bobby) Schiller, passed away peacefully at age 98 on Aug.13, 2025, at Helen’s Place/Villas of King David. She was born in 1927 in New York, to the late Bertha and Emil Sailer, immigrants from Hungary and Germany. Bobby was the beloved wife of the late Howie Schiller. They celebrated 74 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Richard (Judith) Schiller and Laurie (Mark) Thomas; adoring grandma of Leah (Drew) Molinari, Amy (the late Scott Thompson z’l) Schiller, Jordan (Lauren Averbuch) Thomas, and Samuel (Rebecca Stevens) Schiller; and delighted great grandma of Theo, Eden and Isaac.

Bobby grew up in the South Bronx where her mom had a beauty parlor in the Jewish neighborhood. While her parents were not Jewish, Bobby had many Shabbat dinners in the homes of Jewish friends growing up, when her parents had to work late. Her mother considered herself “Jewish by association” and fully supported Bobby’s to conversion to Judaism before marrying Howie.

Education was always a foundational value Bobby. She completed two years of undergraduate studies at Hunter College before she was married at the age of 18 . She paused her studies and worked, allowing Howie to get his BA under the GI bill. Seventeen years later she returned to Hunter College, graduating in 1964 with her BA in education and obtaining her teaching certification.

An only child, Bobby fostered close bonds with Howie’s family and her family from Hungary. She stayed in close contact with Hungarian relatives living in the US and in Hungary, and opened her home to three young Hungarian men who escaped the Hungarian uprising in the late 1950’s. She and Howie hosted them for three years, helping them navigate a very new place, get jobs, learn English, and become US citizens.

Bobby was a treasured friend, having built a life of enduring, abiding relationships and community.  Many of her friendships since childhood were sustained throughout her life. Bobby and Howie were known for their warm, generous hospitality.

A second grade teacher for over 20 years, Bobby was a lifelong learner. When she retired, she cherished summers at Chautauqua where she enjoyed every lecture, concert and opera, socializing with good friends, and having the joy of visits from her kids and grandkids.

An avid reader, she became a member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) in 1996. Bobby was skilled at knitting, needlepoint and embroidery, and was a determined crossword puzzle solver until age 97. Most of all she found the greatest joy in her family.

A Celebration of Life with a reception following the service will be held August 24, 2025, 4:00 pm in the Chapel at Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood Ohio 44122. The Service will be available on livestream in the Chapel.

The family thanks the dedicated and loving staff at Helen’s Place for four and a half years of extraordinary kindness and care.

Donations in Bobby’s memory may be made to The Chautauqua Fund or a charity of your choice.

Arrangments have been entrusted to Berkowitz Kumin and Bookatz Memorial Chapel.