Barbara Starkey

Barbara was born August 9, 1937 in Vineland, New Jersey, before shortly moving to grow up in nearby Pleasantville. She was excellent in academics, graduating with honors as well as very active in high school sports, cheerleading, and dancing (jitterbug contest winner). She worked along the Atlantic City Boardwalk in High School at James Taffy, seeing Marilyn Monroe as Grand Marshall in a Boardwalk parade.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 spectacular years, Bill Starkey. They met at the University of Delaware where she graduated in 1959 and married one month after. They moved to Wilmington, where she taught 7th grade English and Math before dedicating her time to her family in support of Bill’s career at GTE. They moved 12 times in 26 years across the US, making Tampa the family home in 1985. Family was #1 to Barbara and she was passionate about making time for her kids and grandchildren.

During the many family vacations or weekends at the beach, Barbara enjoyed starting her day with coffee, a cranberry muffin, and newspapers, while waiting for her grandchildren to awaken. They would together attack an unfinished puzzle, play card games (quadruple solitaire a favorite), or a board game (the grandchild would always win). An avid reader, she would suggest/share books or could knowledgeably discuss any topic with fervor. Each grandchild truly felt a special connection with her in a different way – reading, games, politics, athletic games, TV programs, or some special treat, usually made with coconut.

Barbara loved staying active, playing golf and tennis well into her 70’s, water aerobics, book club, investment club, theater, and extensive travelling. She was an excellent card player, playing bridge with good friends the week before she passed. Her friends mention her soft spoken manner, sense of humor, kind caring soul, intelligence, and her commitment to relationships. She also believed in serving the community, serving with Metropolitan Ministries and the Tampa Art Museum.

Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Valeta Havrilla, and daughter Sally. She is survived by her sons Ted Starkey (Lori) and Mike Starkey (Janet) of Tampa, daughter Jen Coan (Steve) of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and grandchildren Lewis Starkey (Natalie) and Carly Starkey (Marcos), Jade and Matthew Starkey, and Elizabeth Coan.

A joyful Celebration of Life will be held at Palma Ceia Country Club on February 28, between 3PM and 5PM.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff at Canterbury Tower and Health Center. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Metropolitan Ministries (Metropolitan Ministries Donate Now).