Barbara Arlene Landau

Barbara Arlene Soderberg Landau, a devoted volunteer, wife, and mother, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones.

Barbara was born to Andrew and Ruth Soderberg on December 28, 1927 in Worcester, Massachusetts. After graduating from Worcester North High School, Barbara went on to earn her bachelor’s of science in Chemistry from Clark University. After working at Amherst College for a professor who had a grant from the Office of Naval Research, Barbara earned her Master’s in Chemistry from Smith College before moving to Oak Ridge in 1955. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, she worked a job in aircraft nuclear propulsion.

It was there that she met Lawrence Landau, the love of her life. They married in 1956 and had six decades together until his passing in 2016. They enjoyed being part of the Smoky Mountain hiking club, traveling with Elder Hostel programs, and going on beach and mountain trips with dear family friends, the Hobson’s.

Barbara was a lifelong learner, enjoying taking classes at Rhone State Community College, Oak Ridge Institute of Continued Learning, and her nonfiction book club. She was always an avid reader, and a gifted seamstress, making many clothes and even costumes for the Oak Ridge Playhouse. She made beautiful quilts and enjoyed being part of the Smoky Mountain Quilters.

She was a big cheerleader for her children, chauffeuring to activities, watching sporting events, and volunteering as a Campfire Girl leader.

Her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Lee) Ellis, son, David (Nancy Minturn) Landau, son, Ben (Mary) Landau, and daughter, Betsy (Mike) Pershing. She is also survived by five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Drew and Tia Pershing, Brian Pershing, Sam Pershing, Henry Landau, Maggie Landau, Josie Pershing, and Amelia Pershing

The family invites you to a celebration of Barbara’s life, a time to share memories, comfort each other, and celebrate her. This event is planned for Monday, November 18 at 2:30pm at Mott-McKamey funeral home.

In honor of Barbara’s life, memorial gifts may be made to The Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge, 101 W. Madison Ln. Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or Oak Ridge TORCH, P.O. Box 5448 Oak Ridge, TN 37830.