Norberta Wachter Schoene
1943-2026
Norberta Wachter Schoene passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, in Maryland, where she resided in College Park with her spouse, William E. M. Lands.
She was born on July 9, 1943 in Kansas. She is survived by her spouse and two sisters, Melmarie Whitlow and Damona Wachter.
Norberta was a dedicated scientist, educator and philanthropist whose life’s work reflected her commitment to advancing knowledge and improving human health. A lifelong research biochemist, she devoted her professional career to the study of human nutrition and authored numerous scholarly publications. She was widely respected for her expertise and contributions to her field.
Education was a cornerstone of Norberta’s life. She believed deeply in giving back to the institutions that helped shape her activities. She remained a dedicated supporter of educational, academic, and service organizations throughout her life.
Among her many honors, she was especially proud to receive the Dr. Kenneth Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award from Pittsburg State University in 1975. Norberta’s generosity extended far beyond academia.
In partnership with William Lands and the Tom & Virginia Seely Foundation, she established and managed the Paradox Fund, an initiative dedicated to fostering curiosity, learning, and community engagement in Morgan County, West Virginia. The fund supports programs that encourage exploration of the arts, sciences, technology, social studies, and wellness, helping learners of all ages develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
She was a founding member of the Morgan County Forum for Arts, Science and Technologies (FAST), which provided educational grants and opportunities designed to inspire learning beyond the classroom. Through these efforts, Norberta championed innovative education and community nutrition programs that benefited both students and families.
An avid reader and lifelong learner, Norberta supported her local library and encouraged intellectual curiosity wherever she could.
Those who knew her will remember her as a thoughtful, compassionate, and remarkably intelligent woman whose generosity, dedication to education, and commitment to improving human health touched countless lives.
Norberta’s legacy lives through the scientific contributions she made, the educational opportunities she helped create, and the many people whose lives were enriched by her kindness, vision, and enduring belief in the power of knowledge.
