1 Upcoming Event
Memorial Service
MAR
21
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Starts at 5:00 pm
Church of Litchfield Park
300 North Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Barbara Bahr Shassetz, a devoted mother and grandmother and a lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. Born on January 26, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan Barbara lived a life defined by curiosity, service, and a deep commitment to learning.
Barbara dedicated more than 50 years of her life to teaching, a calling that took her across the world. Her career brought her to classrooms in Japan, Hawaii, China, and Spain, and ultimately to the deserts of Arizona, where she spent more than 30 years teaching in Phoenix's West Valley. Throughout her career, she was known for her creativity, compassion, and belief in the power of education to open doors and change lives. Teaching was not simply her profession—it was her purpose.
Barbara was a vivacious woman with a spirit and smile that charmed everyone she met. She approached life with energy, warmth, and an unmistakable presence that filled a room. She has made a lasting impression on friends, family, colleagues, and students alike.
She was the loving mother of three children: Rick (Lawrence Richard) Shassetz, Anne Shassetz Clair, and Susan Shassetz Boennighausen. She was a devoted and selfless Grammy to her grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, and Annika Shassetz, and Evan H and Andrew S Boennighausen, all of whom brought her great joy.
Barbara is survived by her sister, Judith R. Sundberg and her husband Walter B. Sundberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Major Lawrence R. Shassetz, on August 16, 1994 and her sister Penny J. Sample of Kokomo, Indiana.
Barbara will be remembered for her intellect, independence, and generous heart, as well as for the countless students whose lives she shaped over five decades of teaching. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many communities she served around the world.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Church of Litchfield Park.
300 N Old Litchfield Rd Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.
Family will host a celebration of life at the family's childhood home in Litchfield Park. All are welcome.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Barbara dedicated more than 50 years of her life to teaching, a calling that took her across the world. Her career brought her to classrooms in Japan, Hawaii, China, and Spain, and ultimately to the deserts of Arizona, where she spent more than 30 years teaching in Phoenix's West Valley. Throughout her career, she was known for her creativity, compassion, and belief in the power of education to open doors and change lives. Teaching was not simply her profession—it was her purpose.
Barbara was a vivacious woman with a spirit and smile that charmed everyone she met. She approached life with energy, warmth, and an unmistakable presence that filled a room. She has made a lasting impression on friends, family, colleagues, and students alike.
She was the loving mother of three children: Rick (Lawrence Richard) Shassetz, Anne Shassetz Clair, and Susan Shassetz Boennighausen. She was a devoted and selfless Grammy to her grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, and Annika Shassetz, and Evan H and Andrew S Boennighausen, all of whom brought her great joy.
Barbara is survived by her sister, Judith R. Sundberg and her husband Walter B. Sundberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Major Lawrence R. Shassetz, on August 16, 1994 and her sister Penny J. Sample of Kokomo, Indiana.
Barbara will be remembered for her intellect, independence, and generous heart, as well as for the countless students whose lives she shaped over five decades of teaching. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many communities she served around the world.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Church of Litchfield Park.
300 N Old Litchfield Rd Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.
Family will host a celebration of life at the family's childhood home in Litchfield Park. All are welcome.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Bahr Shassetz, please visit our flower store.
Barbara Bahr Shassetz's Guestbook
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