Barbara Ann Schaffer

Barbara Ann Schaffer, 76, of Northumberland, passed on Monday, June 9, 2025. Barbara was the beloved wife of Paul Schaffer, sharing over 55 years of marriage. Born on March 6, 1949 in California, she was a daughter of the late Harry Skill Woolway and Esther (Roth) Rubinstein.
Barbara lived a life filled with battles against internal and external pain. She fought these battles with grace and determination. From her early years learning braille and sign language and caring for her grandmother with dementia, to later challenges with the physical pain of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Rather than turning inward, she became a fierce advocate-creating a local support group, helping to pass a Pennsylvania law requiring CRPS education in medical schools, writing an illustrated book on the effects of disability on families, and even teaching doctors about CRPS during her own hospital stays. All of this at the same time being a dedicated, loving wife and mother.
Each stage of Barbara's life could fill a book while demonstrating courage and compassion against huge odds. Barbara's life experiences include: shaking hands with the Beatles, giving her tambourine to Mick Jagger as he went on stage with the Rolling Stones; cheering for the Mets and Steelers; meeting with two Pennsylvania governors to champion CRPS awareness; attending Broadway shows-with special joy when sharing them with her grandchildren; trips to Disney World; crocheting (and accumulating many skeins of yarn); arranging family get togethers and much more. She designed an accessible RV so that she could camp at music festivals and travel cross-country, never letting disability define her limits. Barbara used her boundless strength to advocate for herself and the people she loved. She defended human rights and was a shining example of living boldly and lovingly in the face of hardship.
Professionally, Barbara graduated from Bloomsburg University and pursued both education and social work. She was very successful as a job placement coach at Suncom Industries.
Barbara will be remembered by her husband Paul; daughter Rebecca Schaffer-Neitz and her husband Robert; grandchildren, Eden, Aaron, and Isaac; siblings, Allan Woolway and Vicki Byrd and many others whose lives she touched. She was proceeded by her brother, David Rubinstein.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Epler Funeral Home, 210 King St, Northumberland.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Barbara's memory to the Save the Children Foundation, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825.
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