Barbara Joan Lander

Barbara J. Lander of Henderson, Nevada passed away on August 05, 2025. She lived a glorious 90 years, brimming with family, Jewish faith, creative arts, world travels, and a fulfilling teaching career.

She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to parents Annette (Anderson) Schultz, and Irving Schultz.

Barbara graduated from Clark University in 1957 with a Bachelor’s degree in the Arts. It was while attending Clark she met her future husband Ernest M. Lander in Psychology class. They were pinned, engaged, and then married in 1956. They spent the next 45 years raising a family, dancing, and traveling the world together. Ernest passed on March 1, 2000. They leave behind their three children, Sarah (Norman) Marks, Henry (Suzanne) Lander, and Michael Lander as well as two granddaughters, Rebecca (Josh) Weinstein and Jessica (Nick) Reinell. Barbara was truly blessed to also have three greats: Olivia, Alexandra and Clark. She is also survived by her three sisters: Janet Solomon, Joanne (Marc) Schoen, and Beverly Furman.

Barbara was fortunate in her later years to meet community newcomer James Earlam when they each needed a partner for bridge. Jim would become Barbara’s second husband, and she his second wife. They were devotedly married for over 15 years, and Jim was sitting at the bedside when she passed. They fully enjoyed life: traveling and cruising all over the world, playing bridge, and taking care of their precious dog Pepper.

Barbara was a committed educator enjoying a lifelong career in teaching. After earning a master’s degree in education at Salem State University, she taught art in the Salem public school system for 20 years, retiring in 1990. Her retirement didn't last very long! She became an (ESL) English as a Second Language instructor teaching immigrants for the next 25 years. She enjoyed teaching Russians settling in Lynn, MA, and following her relocation to Nevada, immigrants from around the world who were settling in and attending the University of Las Vegas would become her students. She was a passionate teacher, knowing how successful her students could become once they learned English. She gave life lessons while teaching her students in “How to survive in the US”, and she has written and self-published a guidebook for instructors on teaching ESL

Barbara spent her free time creating all forms of art and particularly enjoyed watercolor painting. She traveled extensively all her adult life with an African Safari topping the list. She took up duplicate bridge with her wonderful husband and partner Jim and acquired nearly 1000 points. Another favorite game she also loved was mahjong and she taught many family members and friends how to play as well. She baked Challahs, Kugels, and Brownie bars, and shared her collection of recipes with family and friends. She was proud to be a legacy member of Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson, Nevada.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 17th at 11am at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin St, Salem, MA. Interment will follow the service located at Temple Emanu-El of Marblehead Cemetery in Danvers, MA. Visit https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25085392324409 “Live Streaming” of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund Barbara set up at Clark University. The Ernest M. ’56 & Robert H. Lander Economic Scholarship Fund.