Obituary of Barbara Marland

Barbara Elizabeth Marland (Sherer) passed away on July 14, 2024.

She was born in Douglaston, New York to Raymond (Ray) and Barbara (nee Meixner) Sherer on August 2nd, 1935. Barbara attended Radcliffe College and graduated from Oberlin College. She was an artist who worked in printmaking, sculpture and painting.  She spent time in Europe studying art and recounted it as being deeply impactful. She married William “Bill” Marland in 1957. They lived in Boston where their son Eric was born. They then moved to Iowa where initially Bill taught at Scattergood Friends School while completing his Masters Degree at the University of Iowa and he went on to teach at Kirkwood Community College. Later they lived outside of West Branch where their second son Adam “Jack” was born in 1964. In 1972, she ran for State Senate on the Democratic ticket. While ultimately unsuccessful, she received 39% of the vote and won Johnson County. She remained deeply interested in local and national politics. She also was involved in Arts administration at the University of Iowa. Bill passed away suddenly in June 1974, and shortly thereafter their daughter Barbara was born. She then moved to Iowa City where she remained for the rest of her life. Barbara was definitely at home in Iowa City and one of the city’s true eccentrics. She always had an opinion to share or a story to tell to whoever had the time to listen. She was someone who loved nothing more than treasure hunting at resale shops, garage sales and alleys all over town. 

Barbara is survived by her children Eric (Renee Spierdijk), Adam (Felicia Morley) and Barbara (Omar Figueroa), her sister Nancy (Jonathon) Kapstein, and her grandchildren Cornelia, Saskia, Magnus and Viggo. Her children would like to especially thank Joan Siders, her dear friend and advocate whose assistance and genuine love for their mother over her last few years was invaluable. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents Ray and Barbara Sherer and sister Katherine Bergen. 

Barbara, like her husband before her, has donated her body the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. Barbara was a longtime supporter of NPR and would encourage those who feel so inclined to make a donation.