Barbara Schlactus

Barbara Rachman Schlactus

Born in Brooklyn, New York on December 21, 1934 to Philip and Elsie Rachman. Departed on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at age 91, peacefully in her sleep. Barbara raised her family in Manhattan and Scarsdale, NY. She spent her last year at Cogir of Potomac in Maryland.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Peter Schlactus (Jennifer), David Schlactus (Stacy), and Ellen Darensbourg (Cyril); and beloved grandchildren Joshua, Hannah, Ari, Abby, Shelby, Anthony, Daniel, and Coby. She is predeceased by her husband, Howard Schlactus and her brother, Jack Rachman.

Barbara graduated a year early from her high school as valedictorian. She graduated from Brooklyn College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and earned her Master's there in 1957. Or rather, one of her Master's degrees, since she returned to school from 1962-1963 to earn another Master's in Teaching of Speech from Columbia University Teachers College. This made her the first in her family to earn an advanced degree twice over. She taught speech for over 25 years in the New York City Public Schools, focusing mainly on children with special needs. She was influential in the early years of both special education and speech pathology in the NYC school system.

In addition to her pursuit of higher education and a career, Barbara was an intrepid world traveler in her youth. During her 20's she took extended trips to Eastern & Western Europe, Israel, and South America.

After marrying Howard Schlactus in 1967, Barbara devoted herself to her family and shared her passions for travel and learning, as well as a love for tennis, skiing, puzzles and games of all kinds.

Later in life, she taught English as a Second Language to the spouses of foreign business executives and diplomats stationed in Westchester, first at Manhattanville College and then at the homes of her students. Some later returned the favor, hosting her and Howard at their homes in places like Vienna. She also became an accomplished bridge player.

Most of all she was a devoted grandparent who revelled in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Anti-Defamation League (support.adl.org) or Small Steps in Speech (smallstepsinspeech.org/donate).

The funeral will be held at 12pm on Wednesday, September 23rd at the Schulman Chapel in the Woods on the grounds of Congregation Kol Ami at 252 Soundview Avenue in White Plains, New York. A remote viewing option is available using this link.

After a private family interment service at Westchester Hills Cemetery, shiva will be at the home of Peter and Jennifer (80 BelleFair Road, Rye Brook, NY 10573) from 4:00-8:00 pm with minyan at 7:00 pm.

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A special shiva for our Maryland family and friends will take place via Zoom on Wednesday from 8:15-9:00 pm.

Please use this link to attend.

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A special shiva for extended family will take place via Zoom:

• Wednesday from 9:00-9:30 pm. Please use this link to attend.

• Thursday from 8:15-9:00 pm Please use this link to attend.

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On Thursday, September 24th, shiva will be from noon-4:00 pm and from 6:00-8:00 pm with minyan at 7:00 pm.

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A special shiva for Peter & Jen's out-of-town friends will take place via Zoom from 9:00-10:00 pm on Thursday.

Please use this link to attend.

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Thank you for your love and support.

With Love,

David, Peter, Jen, and Stacy, and Abby, Ari, Coby, Daniel, Joshua, and Shelby