Barbara E. Schildt

Barbara “Barb” E. Schildt, 78, of Biglerville, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on January 13, 2023 at UPMC Harrisburg lovingly surrounded by her family. Born May 19, 1944 in Baltimore City, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and B. Grace (Jones) Wilson, Jr.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart of 58 years, Gary Schildt, three sons, Robert (Tina) Schildt, North Myrtle Beach; Darrin Schildt, Carlisle; Brian (Jolene) Schildt, Biglerville. She was the proud “Mammaw” to 4 grandchildren, Chad (Nicole) Schildt, Brian Schildt, Jr., Brandi Schildt, and Camren (Emilee) Schildt; 5 great-grandchildren, Hartley, Easton, Cayson, Layton, and Hadley-Grace Schildt; brothers Thomas Wilson, VIII and Alton (Julie) Wilson; and a sister Marcia Bubel. As well as life-long friends, Morris (Barbara) Zentz; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by sister Virginia Messick; brothers-in-law Donnie Messick, Sr. and David Bubel; sister-in-law Sandy Wilson.

A 1963 graduate of Francis Scott Key High School, Union Bridge where she was “Miss Key” and met the love of her life. After high school, she spent 32 years in banking having retired from Woodsboro Bank as a loan officer. For many, she was a friendly and trusting face.

Barb was very grounded in her faith and devoted her life to God while attending many churches over the years including Linwood Brethren Church, Keysville Lutheran Church where she was very active singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and Bible School, and Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church where she also taught Sunday School. Her Bible, “The Way” was an important part of her daily life, having read it cover to cover multiple times.

She was the most selfless, kind, and compassionate soul; to know her, was to be loved by her. Barb spent many hours on the sidelines of sporting events, where she was her children and grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader. She was an avid cook who made the best chicken corn soup and always made sure you didn’t leave hungry.

In her later years, she enjoyed a good cup of coffee with family and friends, sitting on the porch rocker in her flip-flops bird watching, and the beauty that was found in summertime flowers. A lifetime Canasta player, where winning wasn’t everything to her, but she would definitely let you know if you were cheating.

Barb had a contagious wit and sense of humor that drew everybody in, whether it was a quick comment, perfectly timed one-liner, or just her signature grin and eye roll. Even on her bad days, she never lost this trait, and would repeatedly say that her goal was to make you laugh at least once a day.

A small Celebration of Life and Inurnment will be officiated by her niece, Pastor Amy Bell on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Upper Bermudian Lutheran Church, 185 Ground Oak Church Road, Gardners, PA 17324. In honor of Barb’s simplistic way of life, casual attire is appropriate.

In true Barb fashion, she always wanted to help children and those less fortunate, so in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barb’s memory to John’s Meals, checks can be made payable to: UACT – John’s Meals, P.O. Box 593, Arendtsville, PA 17303.