Claire 'Barbara' Schneider

Claire 'Barbara' Schneider, 89, of Bozeman, passed from this world on Saturday, February 16, 2013. She was born July 7, 1923 in Hartford, Connecticut, to David and Sadie Gross. Raised in New Jersey and Connecticut, Barbara joined the Navy during World War II, proudly serving stateside as a pharmacist mate. She married the love of her life, Benjamin Schneider, also a WWII Veteran, on December 7, 1947. They shared many happy and harmonious years until his death in 2001. Together, they raised four children, including twin boys. Barbara moved to Bozeman, Montana, in order to be close to her daughter. She lived for many years at Highgate Senior Living, and moved into her daughter and son-in-law's home this past summer. Barbara enjoyed the company of family and friends, good food, and music, especially if her daughter Edis was doing the singing. She was a health food nut before it was a popular thing to do, although she never gave up her coffee or chocolate, both of which had to be dark, of course. She was also proficient in calligraphy and handwriting analysis. Barbara was preceded in death by her dear husband, Benjamin; her firstborn, an infant child; a son, Douglas in 1976; her parents, David and Sadie Gross; her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Ed Monas; and her dear Bozeman friend, Gladys Samson. She is survived by her children, Marlene (Michael) McCarty of Vermont; Dr. Loren (Randi) Schneider of New Jersey; and Edis (George) Kittrell, of Bozeman; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; her special niece, Susan (Bill) Funk of Massachusetts; as well as other nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Special thanks to the loving and dignified care she received from Hospice of Southwest Montana, especially by her nurse, Chelsa, as well as her caregivers, Kathy, Kathyrn, Kate, Kim, and Becky, and especially Stormi. The family asks that, if desired, memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southwest Montana, care of Bozeman Deaconess Foundation; the local Chabad at www.jewishmontana.com or a charity of your choice.