Barbara Anne Van Schaack, 84, passed away on August 11, 2014 at her home in Keizer, Oregon. She was born on June 19, 1930 in Salem, Oregon to Joseph and Louise (LeDoux) Albrich.
Barbara grew up in Salem, graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1948. After high school she worked briefly as an usherette at the Elsinore Theater. She then enrolled in the Oregon Beauty College and worked as a beautician for Laurel Stohl in Salem. She then changed career paths and became an employee with the State of Oregon. She began with the Secretary of State’s Office, and later moved to the Forestry Department and eventually to the Oregon State Police. Her last position was with the Oregon Department of Transportation.
While working as an usherette, Barbara met and later married James “Eddie” Brunelle. They were married in 1950 in St. Joseph’s Church in Salem, Oregon. During their marriage Barbara had five children; James, Anne, John, Jean and Curtis. Barbara’s husband James preceded her in death, and in 1980 Barbara married Duane Van Schaack. They were happily married for 24 years.
Barbara enjoyed playing cards, particularly pinochle. She loved cooking, baking and making countless goodies for family and friends. She was a devoted mother and wife, and was loved by all who knew her. Barbara dearly loved her Catholic Faith and lived that faith throughout her life.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Louise Albrich; her brothers Joseph and Alan, her husband Duane and her son James.
Barbara is survived by her son John of Mesa, Arizona; Anne Turner of Salem, Oregon; Jeanne Abbott of Brooks, Oregon, and Curtis Brunelle of Keizer, Oregon. She has 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grand children, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Mt. Angel, Oregon on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM. St. Mary’s is located at 575 E. College Street, Mt. Angel.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Willamette Valley Hospice Program, 1015 3rd Street NW, Salem, Oregon 97304. Phones: 503-588-3600,
or 800-555-2431. Arrangements by Restlawn Funeral Home.