Barbara Ruth Schlaerth Biglan, PhD

Barbara Ruth Schlaerth Biglan, PhD passed away peacefully Friday, November 6, 2026 at the age of 82.

Barb was born in Buffalo, NY, November 2, 1944. She was the daughter of John N. Schlaerth and Margaret Heath Schlaerth.

Barb and Al Biglan were married at St. Martin’s Roman Catholic Church in Buffalo December 23, 1967. Barb’s uncle, Rev. William Schlaerth, S.J. former President of Le Moyne College, in Syracuse performed the ceremony.

Barb is survived by her husband, Albert W. Biglan, M.D. and two children, Albert John Biglan and wife Minhnoi Wroble Biglan, PhD and Margaret Biglan

There are two Grandchildren, Alexander John Biglan and Michael James Biglan

She is also survived by her brother, John B. Schlaerth, M.D. (wife Catherine Dowling Schlaerth M.D.) and seven nieces and nephews.

Barb was an extremely accomplished person. For high school, she attended Nardin Academy in Buffalo. She received her B.S. degree from Le Moyne College in 1965. She earned her Master’s degree at the University of Buffalo and earned her Ph.D. in Science Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Upon completion of her degrees, she was asked to join the faculty in the Department of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. In this position, she was invited to Estonia, Latvia while there, she was based in Tallin examining the education system in the USSR.

Barb accompanied her husband to spend 3 years in West Germany in a small West German town, Bamburg. Bamburg was located in Bavaria near the East German - Czech border. While there, she volunteered as a teacher for dependent children at the school for military children on the military post.

When Barb and her husband returned from Europe, she secured a job at Shadyside Academy at the Junior school Campus where she assisted in setting up the computer program for all three schools. Following this position, she joined the faculty at then Chatham College where she over saw the federal STEM grant as the principal investigator for Chatham. In this position, she collaborated with Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Barb was recruited to be the Head of School for the Wheeling Country Day School in Wheeling West Virginia. While living there and commuting back to Pittsburgh on weekends, she returned to her advocation, her love of art in many forms. Barb spent eight years there. She linked up with a friend, Cheryl Joseph, and they shared a mentor Mark Fleming who offered constructive critique of their work and helped to refine their painting skills.

Following the Wheeling years, Barb returned to Pittsburgh, again as faculty at Chatham University. She assisted in setting up the Eden Hall foundation campus. She oversaw the Program of Sustainability at this campus.

Barb and Al joined St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland in 1968. Except for the 3 years in Bamberg GE, they attended weekly mass until Barb’s passing. When (Al to some “AJ”), and Margaret were children she helped set up a nursery during 10:00 Mass where young children were instructed on the Catholic religion. Barb served several years on the governing Board of Oakland Catholic School. Later, she served on a subcommittee of the Finance Committee and as the wedding coordinator for the Cathedral for the weddings conducted at the Cathedral. Al and Barb went on a trip to the Holy Land sponsored by the Cathedral headed by the Pastor, Fr. Vanyo. They spent 10 days with this small group touring the holy sites mentioned in the Gospels.

Upon retirement, Barb returned to her love of painting. She tried many media, sketching, pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors. She has produced many works including memorial portraits of friend’s pets, landscapes, and a variety of subjects chosen from her trips to Europe, biking and vacations with Al, friends and family members.

Barb and her husband and family have returned to Bamburg on several occasions. On one occasion, we were invited to meet the mayor of the town by one of our friends, the Steinhorsts. Barb painted a picture of a representative scene in the town which was presented to the mayor and his staff. Barb’s artwork is scattered throughout the world: Bamburg, Alaska, Binghamton NY, Sarasota FL and in many locations in Pittsburgh.

Barb was a fighter. She was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer 20 years ago and was determined to live to see her grandchildren, Alexander and Mike Biglan educated. She was cancer free at death.

About 5 years ago, Barb showed early signs of dementia. The initial assessment with cognitive testing showed questionable results. Her physician, Anthony Spinola, M.D., who knew her well, thought that the tests for dementia might be influenced by her high intelligence. However, after two months of observation, the diagnosis and additional testing showed a clear dementia diagnosis. With the devoted support of Al and their daughter Margaret, Barb continued living at home for as long as possible. She began receiving day care at Woodside Place, a specialized care facility for dementia, with Presbyterian Senior Care in Oakmont, only 5 minutes from our home. Shortly after a spectacular 80 th Birthday party at the Oakmont Yacht Club, she entered full-time Residential Care at Woodside Place, residential care for dementia. Her family is deeply grateful to the staff for the compassionate and attentive care they provided throughout her time both there and when in need of skilled nursing care at the Willows on the same campus.

Throughout her life, Barb remained supportive of her husband’s career even to the sacrifice of some of her own career. While raising two children, Barb was the person that permitted her husband to pursue his career in pediatric ophthalmology and take care of the rearing of “AJ “now Al, and Margaret. She helped them with their education, securing a great foundation for them to assume the responsibilities of life.

In everything Barb did, and every community she was part of, she brought her whole self—her boundless energy, enthusiasm, and warmth. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, making friends wherever she went, and building friendships that lasted a lifetime. Whether dancing, laughing, or simply engaging with those around her, Barb brought a spark of life to every gathering that remained with her even in her final days. We will all miss her kindness, her humor, and her beautiful smile.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., at 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont PA 15139.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Paul Cathedral 108 North Dithridge Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Burial will be at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Paul Cathedral or your favorite charity.