Barbara A. Schroeder

Barbara Anne Johnson Schroeder, 87, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 18. She passed away peacefully at home. Barb loved people. She had a smile for everyone, from the scores of kindergartners in whom she instilled a joy of learning, to her close circle of lifelong friends, and even people she met in line at grocery store. She never knew a stranger. Her kindness, sunny personality, and ready laugh brightened the world for everyone around her. She was an avid reader and loved music. She was an excellent baker and a creative cook – especially for the abundance of late summer tomatoes and zucchini from her garden. Barbara was born on October 6, 1933 to Earl O. and Waneta Lavell (Crapo) Johnson in Farmersburg, Indiana. She was a leader from early on, serving as the first female president of the local chapter of the Future Farmers of America. She always wanted to be a teacher. She earned her B.S. from Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University) in Terre Haute. Upon graduation, she moved to Fort Wayne and taught kindergarten at Forest Park Elementary School for several years. She attended Indiana University, Bloomington during the summers and earned her Master’s degree. She paused her career for a few years to start a family, but returned to teaching as a substitute. After she and her husband retired, they enjoyed travelling extensively both in the U.S. and abroad. Barb met the love of her life, Bill, in a Children’s Literature class at Indiana State. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on August 17, 2020. While at Indiana State, Barb joined Sigma Kappa Sorority and formed treasured friendships that lasted for the rest of her life. She was a Charter Member of the Indiana State Alumni Association and a Life Member of both the IU Alumni Association and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ for over 50 years and was active in the Women’s Fellowship and Claudia Circle. She especially enjoyed her role as the Church Librarian for many years. She loved her family deeply and unselfishly. She is survived by her husband, Bill, daughter Debra (Dominic Lucenta), son Doug (Cindy), five step grandchildren, and six step great grandchildren. Visitation is from 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday, October 24 at Salem United Church of Christ, 2401 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, with service immediately following. Burial will be that afternoon at Highland Park Cemetery, 2403 Wallen Road. For the safety of all, masks will be required at the visitation and services. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Preferred memorials to Parkview Hospice, whose nurses and aides provided exceptional and compassionate care to Barb and her family in her final days.