Pepperell, Mass

Barbara “B.Z.” Zahner Stromsted died peacefully at home at the age of 95 on May 13th, surrounded by family. She was pre-deceased by her husband Erik and her brothers Henry (Marge), Richard (Jeannie), and John.

She is survived by her children and stepchildren Tina, Vera, Julia (Michael), Rick, Kari and Siri (Brian); grandchildren Eli and Emma Wood, Morgan (Van Clief) Keohane, Bennett, Anja and Finn Van Clief; and Zahner nieces and nephews who also figured large in her life.

Barbara was born in Boston, MA to Louis and Barbara (Bennett) Zahner. She spent her early years on Farmers Row in Groton where her father taught English at the Groton School.

Barbara began her education as a four-year-old, riding to nursery school with her mother in a pony cart. She attended the Winsor School in Boston through high school, and graduated from Vassar College as an English Major in 1952. Her love of literature shone in her Senior thesis on Faulkner, which was then used as a teaching tool in Faulkner coursework.

She worked in publishing in New York City before returning to school in Massachusetts, earning Masters Degrees in Arts & Teaching and Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

She then worked for decades in the Hanscom Air Force Base and Lincoln Public School systems as a Guidance Counselor.

Barbara met and married Erik Stromsted in 1963. They raised a blended family in Pepperell and remained together for fifty years until Erik’s death in 2013. Their home was a focal point in the community, and they hosted many lively parties, particularly in the summers when neighbors and friends would drop in and stay for swims, conversation and barbecues.

Barbara was a lively conversationalist, a sharp wit, and an avid gardener. Shortly after moving to Pepperell, Barbara became involved in politics at the urging of her new circle of friends. This turned into a lifelong passion. She supported various Democratic causes and campaigns, participated in protest marches, and hosted fundraisers at her home.

Barbara loved crossword puzzles and opera, and most of all socializing with her beloved family and friends. This included nearly annual trips overseas to visit friends in the UK, and stateside to the Glimmerglass Opera series in Cooperstown NY. In her later years she continued to venture out on a smaller scale, making frequent excursions to area museums and local attractions.

For the last several years of her life, Barbara was cared for at home by her daughter Siri and her family. Much love goes out to the wonderful caretakers who also helped with her care and kept her comfortable when it was most needed.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in the summer.

Donations in her name may be made to Doctors Without Borders.