Virginia Lee Schlabach

Virginia Lee Glass Schlabach, 79, of East Barnard, Vt., died of ovarian cancer on Nov. 11, 2019. She was born Feb. 25, 1940, to Forrest and Esther Eby Glass in Lancaster, Pa.

She married Abner J. Schlabach on June 16, 1962.

She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., with a degree in English and served as a long-term trustee on their board. She was a beloved English teacher in Pennsylvania in the 1960s and 1970s and continued her career as an editor and writer.

Before moving to Vermont in 2003, she resided in Charlottesville, Va., and Perkasie, Pa. After retirement she and Abner spent three years in voluntary service at the London Mennonite Centre in London, England.

In their 57 years of marriage, they traveled to 48 states and numerous countries. The travel journals she wrote are a prized family treasure. She was active in Delectable Mountain Quilters and enjoyed supporting her grandchildren at their school and sports events. She was the editor of the East Barnard Crier, an e-newsletter that links villagers throughout the year. She liked connecting people.

She loved strong British tea, was an accomplished doer of New York Times crossword puzzles and word games, and read widely. Family history was a passion. She and Abner created a home of hospitality, welcoming hikers, volunteers and other travelers to their home. They gave support to families who had lost young children.

She was a member of Taftsville Chapel, where she taught preschool children and participated in the East Barnard Church. She is survived by her husband, Abner; two children, Fred (Janet North) and Sue (Ryan Newswanger); and two grandchildren, all of East Barnard; and a brother, Richard Glass of Paradise, Pa. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Brian Spencer. Memorial services were held at the Barnard Town Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Norris Cotton Cancer Center or Bethany Birches Camp in Plymouth, Vt.

Mennonite World Review - December 9, 2019 - 97th Year, No. 25 - p. 15