Barbara G. Lanning
Barbara Lanning of Santa Fe died Tuesday, March 16, 2021 due to complications of heart disease. She was 89 years old. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Cathy Schlecht of Cumming, GA, her son Richard Lanning of Philadelphia and her granddaughter, Laura Schlecht of Cumming, GA.
Barbara was born in Painesville, OH in 1931 to William R. Gray and Catherine Gray (nee MacMackin). She was preceded in death by her sister Donna Adams and her brother William R. Gray, Jr. and ex-husband Wendell R. Lanning (Rex).
After growing up and beginning her family in Ohio, she and Rex moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 1968. After their divorce in 1971, Barbara entered the work force and worked her way up to director level marketing positions with several restaurant companies and advertising/public relations firms in Miami, FL and New York City.
From New York City she moved to Santa Fe, NM in 1992 with her then partner, Jill Heppenheimer, to take over ownership of the Santa Fe Weaving Gallery which they co-owned until 2014 when they sold the gallery and Barbara retired at the age of 83.
Barbara was devoted to living a peaceful and contemplative life and was a life-long learner. She attended Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH after graduating from Mentor High School. She was a participant in Living Room Learning in the 1960s and also took classes at the University of Pittsburgh. Up until her death, she was an avid participant in and board member of the Renesan Institute for Lifelong Learning in Santa Fe. She was also involved with a monthly book club and a weekly Sangha that enriched her socially and spiritually. She volunteered for Fine Arts for Children and Teens in the 1990s and was a supporter of Creativity for Peace.
Barbara’s travels took her to all parts of the globe where she marveled at the beauty and diversity of nature and cultures. She held a special place in her heart for Japan and felt a connection to the people and crafts of that archipelago.
She adored her life in Santa Fe these past 29 years and it is appropriate that she will have her final resting place here.
A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held around her 90th birthday in October– in Santa Fe. Details will be provided at a later date.
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