Barbara Jean Schaap (Bepristis), daughter of Alvin and June Bepristis and step-daughter to Glen Neilson, passed away at the age of 73. Barb was a unique combination of incredibly artistic and perfectly professional. Over the course of her life she created beautiful window displays for Sears and JC Penney, amazing drawings and paintings, and beautiful heirloom quality jewelry. She also worked in insurance and risk management for businesses like Levandoski Insurance, Rapid Design Service and others. She enjoyed art, fashion, traveling, hockey, spending time with her family and friends, and dancing.

She met her husband, Thomas Gordon Schaap, while teaching ballroom dancing for Arthur Murray. They married in 1969 and spent 48 years dancing together, mostly in their kitchen. Together, they settled in Rockford/Cedar Springs, Michigan, where they lived for more than 30 years before retiring to Sugar Island in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Tom preceded her in death by only 5 years. Together, they had 1 child, Stephnie Schaap-Jones, who survives them, along with 4 grand children, Anthony, Lilli, Amethyst and William, and 2 great-grandchildren, Maleek and Myles. Barb is also survived by her siblings, Karen (Charlie) Ragauss, Bob (Debbie) Bepristis and Gigi Stellema, along with several nieces and nephews.

Barb will be remembered for many things, not the least of which was her unwavering faith. No matter where she was, her red bible and her rosary were never far away. She was fun to be around, softspoken and incredibly patient. She never had a mean thing to say about anyone, and worked hard to be independent, generous and loving towards everyone. She thought about everyone else before herself, and would do anything to bring a smile to someone's face. She often carried small pieces of jewelry she had made to give to strangers, just to see them smile.

Barb's life will be celebrated with a funeral mass on December 27th, 2022 at 11:00AM, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Rockford, MI, where she and Tom were parishioners for many years, followed by a luncheon in the church's family center. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Griffins Youth Foundation @ 130 W Fulton St. Suite 111, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.