Barbara Schlig

1932 - 2026

Barbara Schlig
1932-2026
Our beautiful mother Barbara Schlig (née Sender), 94, passed away February 28 at Mozaic Senior Life in Bridgeport. Known to family and friends as Bobbie, she was the youngest of two daughters of Mary (née Stoll) and Max Sender. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she enjoyed a happy childhood full of extended family and friends in a close knit Jewish community, some aspects of which were depicted by her friend and classmate, future novelist, Phillip Roth.
After her first year of college at Michigan State University, she returned to the east coast to complete her degree in early childhood education at NYU and much later earned her masters at University of Bridgeport. She was a teacher, in every way. Along with Joseph, her adoring (late) husband of 65 years, and their three daughters, lived in New Jersey, Puerto Rico, St. Louis, Herzliya, Israel, Westport, CT and most recently in Trumbull, CT. While raising her family, she also worked as a docent at the St Louis Art Museum, among other teaching endeavors, and later worked as a long time reading specialist in the Greenwich public school system.
In retirement she worked as a part time children's librarian at the Fairfield public libraries, and volunteered at the Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport teaching English as a second language. She was very well travelled, and a life long avid reader and learner. Known for her gentle pragmatism, good nature and kind heart, she was well loved by students, co workers, family and friends. She taught by example how to make the best of life and to let go of what can't be changed.
Bobbie is survived by her sister Eunice Smith of Philadelphia, her daughters Nancy Walkley (John) of Trumbull, Patricia Eilenberg (Peter) of Fairfield, and Elizabeth Nudell (Chaim) of Millburn, NJ along with grandchildren Alison Walkley (Justin), Ben Walkley (Alix), Meg Eilenberg (Ben), Andrew Eilenberg and Jessica Nudell, and three great-grandchildren, her beloved nieces, cousins and their families.
The family appreciates beyond words the exceptional attention given by her care givers at Mozaic Senior Living: Nurse Lucy, CNAs Sandra and Ajahnae, and Porteisha, who is so much more than a cook. As the song goes, In the end, only kindness matters. Services will be private. In honor of Bobbie's memory, if inclined, donations may be made to Mozaic Senior Life in Bridgeport, CT.