Barbara S. Jansen of Westport, MA, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Philadelphia to John Albert and Virginia Pyle Smith.
Barbara graduated from Bucknell University in 1970. She later earned multiple master’s degrees, which underscored her lifelong dedication to learning and teaching. Her students and colleagues admired her patience, warmth, and genuine commitment to their growth.
A dedicated educator, Barbara taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at Brockton High School and later at MassBay and Massasoit. She made a lasting impact on generations of students from around the world. Her deep belief in the power of language to connect people was reflected in her fluency in English, Spanish, and French—skills she used not only in the classroom but in her daily life to foster understanding and inclusion.
Barbara’s passion for culture and learning also led her to travel internationally, both for pleasure and on mission trips, enriching her life and the lives of others.
She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Thomas B.B. Jansen, and her brother-in-law Peter. Barbara is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Kachonick of Mays Landing, NJ; her brother, John A. Smith Jr. (Pamela) of Bethlehem, PA; and six wonderful nieces and nephews whom she loved fiercely. She is also survived by her two stepchildren, Thomas Jansen (Lisa Snow) and Laura Slingerland (Paul), as well as her three grandsons, Thomas and Samuel Jansen, and Christopher Slingerland—all of whom she cherished deeply.
Barbara leaves behind her extended family, a host of dear friends, and the many students whose lives she touched. She was also devoted to her faithful dog, Lily, who brought her great comfort and joy.
She was a longtime member of Trinity Church in Boston and later joined St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea in Little Compton. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all of her caregivers for their excellent and loving care.
A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s by-the-Sea in Little Compton, Rhode Island.