Barbara Jean Stefany

passed on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 89 years young. Barbara is survived by her beloved husband

of 69 years, John E. (Jack) Stefany, twin sons, David (Carol) and Darrell (Erin) Stefany and daughter

Kristin Stefany Passath (Christian); grandchildren Matthew (Courtney) Stefany, Daniel (Molly) Stefany,

Maiken Stefany (Kevin Whaley), Kamber Stefany Burke (Will), Dillon Stefany, Evan and Jackson

Passath and great grandchildren, Anna, William, Ellie Stefany and Isla James Burke.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Barbara attended Syracuse University where she met Jack and they married on May

30, 1953 at the campus’ Hendricks Chapel. While at Syracuse, Barbara earned a dual degree in Speech

and Hearing and Elementary Education and then as a young wife, lived in Yokosuka Japan for three years

where Jack served in the Navy before returning to Syracuse. Barbara and her architect husband, Jack,

moved to Tampa in 1964 and soon after she became the director of the first fully integrated preschool

program at Tampa Oral School for the Deaf in Hillsborough County, for which she fought hard for. In

1970, she left the school to focus on being a full-time mom, while volunteering in many church and

community organizations. Years later, she began the second chapter of her professional career, and was

instrumental in creating some of Tampa’s most memorable events by founding EventMakers, an event

marketing and management company. Barbara was a true trailblazer servicing local, regional and

national clients such as Target, Google, First Night Tampa Bay, Harbour Island and Gasparilla Pirate Fest,

as well as planning and managing grand-scale openings of Harbour Island and International Plaza/Bay

Street, to name a few. While she enjoyed tremendous professional growth and success it was her family

and her faith that mattered to her most. Barbara and Jack shared the greatest of love stories and their

devotion and commitment to each other is an incredible example and inspiration to all who know and

love them. She was the best mom God ever created to her three children and their spouses, a fun,

adventurous and loving grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, niece, sister and loyal friend. From her

love of opera to singing in the church choir, music was one of Barbara’s passions. She also enjoyed

working closely with Jack as he designed their main residence and numerous family vacation homes

which they built together. She particularly cherished the family times they spent together at their

beloved beach house on Manasota Key. Barbara was a sports and outdoor enthusiast, enjoying boating,

fishing, RVing, and even a little snow skiing. Her and Jack’s love of travel took them to many incredible

places in the United States and throughout Europe as well as on many celebratory family cruises. Ever

competitive, she was the most supportive and passionate cheerleader at her children’s and

grandchildren’s sporting events.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Hyde Park United

Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt Street. Tampa, FL 33606. Following the service, the family will greet

friends at the church. This service will also be live streamed at HydeParkUMC.org/BarbaraStefany

In lieu of flower donations, memorial gifts may be made in memory of Barbara to the following

ministries at Hyde Park United Methodist Church: Children’s Ministries and Chancel Choir or

tampabaywaterkeeper.org.