Barbara Castle Poole von Schilcher

Barbara Castle Poole von Schilcher, affectionately known as "Barb" and lovingly called "Grandma Vonnie" by her grandchildren, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland, at the age of 85. Born on August 2, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Mary (Molly) Spotswood Poole and Arthur Otis Poole. A lifelong educator, Barbara graduated from Pine Manor College and later earned her degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Rochester in 1967. Barbara dedicated over four decades, 42 years, to teaching and inspiring young minds. Her most enduring professional legacy was at Washington Episcopal School (WES), where she was one of the founding teachers and served in a remarkable variety of roles for 24 years, from Kindergarten and Science Teacher, to Librarian, Assistant Art Teacher, and First Lego League Robotics Coach. Her creativity was boundless, offering enrichment classes in photography, cooking, woodworking, holiday crafts, and more. Her impact extended beyond the classroom, touching generations of students with her patience and deep kindness. Before her time at WES, Barbara taught at St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School (1977–1986), The Harley School, and within the Rochester City School District. She brought a mix of structure and warmth to every school community she joined. Barbara was an endlessly creative soul. She loved photography, especially capturing beautiful scenery and the joyful faces of her children and grandchildren. She found joy in arts and crafts, knitting, calligraphy, and pencil portrait sketching, particularly of children. Music was an ever-present part of her life: she played a baritone ukulele by ear for over 60 years. She was also a passionate sailor, having raced boats across the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and the Mediterranean, at one point placing second among women sailors in North America. A conservative Episcopalian, she lived with kindness, integrity, and a quiet commitment to philanthropy. She generously supported education-focused charities and many other causes dear to her heart. At the core of Barbara's world was her family. A devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she described herself proudly as "very family-oriented" and treasured time spent with her loved ones. She is survived by her beloved sons, Dietram Delano von Schilcher (Jessica) and Stephan Spotswood von Schilcher (Rebecca); her grandchildren Adella Robinson (Gregory), Dietram "Fin", Julian, Kortland, Johannes, and Oskar; and her great-grandson Raife Robinson. She is also lovingly remembered by Katharine Shadman and the extended Castle and Whitbeck families of Rochester, New York. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 10:00 AM at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Washington Episcopal School in her memory: https://www.w-e-s.org/support/give.