In Memoriam

Barbara M. Schanz, (nee Cox)
1932-2026

COOPERSTOWN—Barbara M. Schanz, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Cooperstown, New York on August 30, 2026.

Barbara was born on July 11, 1932 in Salem, Massachusetts to James and Olive Cox (nee Lain). As a young child her family moved to Ramsey, New Jersey. She was an active participant in sports, cheerleading and a class officer at Ramsey High School.

After she graduated in 1950, she attended Skidmore College, earning a bachelor of science degree. Barbara had fond memories of her time at Skidmore College, where she participated in on-campus activities and clubs and made lifelong friends. Upon graduation in 1954, she was offered positions at several department stores in New York City and selected Bloomingdale’s, where her sense of style led to a successful stint as a fashion buyer.

In September 1956, Barbara married Charles R. Schanz of Ramsey, New Jersey. They began their married life in Connecticut, where they started their family. They then moved to Westfield, Massachusetts in 1965, where Barbara volunteered at several civic organizations, including the Westfield Ladies Auxiliary Council. She also served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts for several years. The family later moved to Portsmouth, Rhode Island and then to Delmar, New York. Barbara assisted in managing the Courtside sporting goods store in Delmar for six years while her children attended high school. Starting in 1976, she served as vice president and bookkeeper for the family business, Ben Franklin Stores, a role she held with dedication for 25 years.

Barbara and Charlie wintered in Nokomis, Florida for 40 years, where she cultivated a large circle of dear friends and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. She was a member of the Red Hat Society of Venice, Florida for many years. Starting in the early 1960s, Charlie and Barbara summered in Cooperstown, New York and loved the village and the company of their friends so much that they eventually retired there in 1990. In Cooperstown, she was a longtime member of the Lake and Valley Garden Club, where she also served as treasurer. At home, she took great pleasure in arranging her flower boxes each spring as well as participating in garden club events, where she was recognized with gardening prizes and a Club Appreciation Award.

An accomplished athlete, Barbara won numerous tennis championships in doubles and mixed doubles throughout her life, many of which were at the Cooperstown Country Club. She also served on the House Committee of the CCC for multiple seasons. Barbara was a longtime member of the Leatherstocking Golf Course and enjoyed playing with her close friends. She was also an accomplished bridge player.

Barbara approached everything she did to a high standard, whether it was playing bridge, antiquing, interior decorating, sewing, hosting, gardening or playing tennis and golf. She had a wide variety of skills and was as comfortable with a wrench as she was with a spatula.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Charlie Schanz, who passed in March 2023, and by her sister, Sally Cox. She is survived by her three children: James “Jim” Schanz; Kimberley “Kim” Schanz (Paul Lierheimer); and Charles “Chip” Schanz (Norma Tavakoli Schanz). She is also survived by her two grandsons, Taylor Lierheimer (Emily Hull-Lierheimer) and Drew Lierheimer (Erin Lierheimer), whose accomplishments she followed with great interest and pride, and by her three great-grandsons, Ethan, Miles, and Zach.

Barbara will be fondly remembered for her grace, vivacious spirit, and warm and outgoing personality. Additionally, her family will remember her for her love and devotion, and the high standards she held for herself.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Barbara’s memory to Helios Care at HeliosCare.org.