Norman, OK - Barbara Jean Schaefer of Norman, Oklahoma, affectionately known to generations of students and families as "Teacher Barbara" and founder of Pumpkin Shell School, passed away peacefully in her home on November 5, 2025. She was 84.

Born January 17, 1941, in Chicago, Barbara was the second of three daughters born to Arthur and Maxine Royds. Barbara spent her childhood and formative years in Downers Grove, Illinois, where she, as a kindergartener, put pencil to wide-ruled paper and charted her destiny by writing the words, "Kindergarten is a lot of fun. Someday, I want to have one all my own."

Following her graduation from Downers Grove High School in 1958, Barbara boarded a train bound for Norman, a town she had never seen, to attend the University of Oklahoma. Barbara acclimated quickly to life in the college town so different from the Chicago suburbs. In her four years as an undergraduate at OU, Barbara joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority, was voted an OU Beauty Queen, and she cultivated a wide social circle as a high-performing student. In 1962, Barbara graduated from OU with a Bachelor of Science in Education and began her teaching career in Oklahoma City.

After a few years in the classroom, Barbara paused her career to marry and move to Miami, Oklahoma, where she gave birth to her children, David Robinson Jr., in 1964, and her daughter, Amy Robinson, in 1965. In 1984, Barbara received her Master of Education in Early Childhood Development from the University of Oklahoma and founded Pumpkin Shell School, the realization of her childhood dream.

On July 11, 1987, Barbara married John Schaefer, expanding her family to include John's daughters Laura and Heather. Together, Barbara and John made their home in Norman and shared their love of travel, visiting many of the world's great cities and cultural landmarks. In 1997, the Schaefers built a home in San Miguel de Allende in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. There, the couple would spend much of their time away from Norman, hosting friends and family amid the culture, iconic architecture and leisurely pace for which the area is known.

While she cherished being known as Teacher Barbara, her favorite role was that of "Grinny" to her four grandchildren Leigh Anne Robinson, Katy Sue Robinson, Madaline Britton and William Britton. As a grandmother, Barbara was doting and generous with her time, her resources and the wisdom she acquired from her rich and colorful life.

Barbara also had a profound love for animals. In her life, Barbara rescued countless dogs and cats in need. In addition to her beloved pets who crossed the Rainbow Bridge during her lifetime, Barbara's final companions were her West Highland White Terriers Molly and Cooper, along with her big orange cat Tom.

A trip to most any public place in Norman would result in Teacher Barbara encountering current and former students and their families, most of whom would excitedly greet her with the opening line of the Pumpkin Shell school song (A-rooty-toot-toot!) and a hug. Though she retired in 2007, Barbara's work building Pumpkin Shell School continues to benefit students today.

Uniquely Barbara in all weathers, she is fondly remembered for the love she showed to friends and strangers, humans and animals alike. Those who knew her best fondly recall her fiery determination, even the face of long odds, as well as her intuition, her quick wit and ceaseless generosity.

Barbara was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Norman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Maxine Royds, as well as a sister, Sandy Landis. Barbara is survived by her husband, John Schaefer; children David Robinson Jr. and Amy Robinson, both of Norman, Laura Schaefer and husband Robert Britton, of Houston, Heather Whitby and husband Wade, of Houston; grandchildren Leigh Anne Robinson, Katy Sue Robinson, Madaline Britton and William Britton; sister Carole Withers, of Maui, Hawaii, plus countless friends and former students.

A celebration of Barbara's life is scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Norman. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible contributions can be made to the University of Oklahoma Foundation to benefit the Barbara Jean Schaefer Early Childhood Scholarship, established to honor Barbara's legacy as a pioneering educator in the field of early childhood education and to ensure future educators can make their own lasting impacts in the lives of children. Or simply pour yourself a Pepsi, Barbara's favorite drink, and toast to a life well lived.