Barbara B. Tryon

Barbara B. Tryon, 94, of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and formerly of Rochester, New York, died on Monday, July 15, 2019 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam. Barbara was born on October 5, 1924, the daughter of Otto J. and Jessie F. (Livingston) Bassemir, in Corona, NY. In 1946, Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. She was a member of the Honor Society, and served on the executive committee of the Wheaton College chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, a National Physics Society. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Chemistry in 1948, from New York University, NY, NY, and worked on a PhD there. On June 26, 1948, she was married Lansing E. Tryon in Patchogue, New York. After raising their six children, Barbara taught junior high math and science for many years at Rochester Christian School, Rochester, NY, with the most important lesson being her delight and curiosity about the world. She was known to go the extra mile for her students. After retirement, she served as an elder at her church, bringing wisdom and encouragement to many. In 2009, Barbara and Lansing moved to Beaver Dam where they made their home at Charleston House. Barbara is survived by her children, Steven (Corrinne) Tryon, Irondequoit, NY, Martha Slager, Madison, WI, Charles (Suzanne) Tryon, Tyrone, GA, Elizabeth (Joseph) Hupp, Northfield, IL, Kenneth (Christina) Tryon, Rochester, NY and Janet (Jefferson) Geiger, North Aurora, IL; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband Lansing in 2013. She never lost her curiosity or sense of humor. She was feisty and loving, impatient and long-suffering, practical and a dreamer, always proud of her children, and always ready to help. She loved reading and discussing books, and kept challenging herself to learn more. The family is grateful to Don Slager for being financial POA for Barbara, and capably handling her finances for the past ten years. A service in celebration of her life will be held at Rochester Christian Reformed Church, Rochester, NY, at 10am on September 7, with inurnment at Oak Wood Cemetery in Penfield, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made in Barbara B. Tryon’s name to Rochester Christian School, at www.rochesterchristianschool.org