Barbara Ann Ware

On 10/25/2023, Barbara passed away peacefully, in the comfort of home. She was supported, enveloped and loved by her family throughout her final days here; and she embraced with great faith, that she would soon be in heaven with God, and with her one and only true love, her late husband, James L. Ware, Sr. (Jim).

Barbara was born on December 5, 1934 in New York City to William and Glenna Oldt. Two years later, the family moved to Dayton, Ohio. After a few years in Dayton, the family moved to and settled in Tampa, Florida.

Barbara attended Gorrie Elementary and Wilson Middle Schools. She graduated High School from The Academy of the Holy Names. She attended college at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri for one year. She was an esteemed employee at Tampa Electric Company on her return from Missouri. After working at Tampa Electric, Barbara raised her five boys and somehow found time to do volunteer work that she thoroughly enjoyed, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Barbara also worked in the office of Ware Construction with Jim once the boys were grown and on their own.

At age of 16, she met the love her life, Jim Ware, through Jim’s cousin, Beverly Dean, then Beverly Brown. The two were married on June 16, 1956 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown Tampa. Jim and Barbara raised five sons, James L. Ware, Jr. (Jim), Stephen Michael Ware (Mike)(Josina), William E. Ware, Sr. (Bill)(Sarah), Mark J. Ware (Jacque), and Richard C. Ware (Ricky)(Linda).

Her sons were her pride and joy, as she used to say. She especially enjoyed attending all of the various sports games her sons played over several decades. She enjoyed their successes, and was always there to console and encourage in losses and injury.

She thoroughly enjoyed the family summers at the beach and other vacation trips, and all holidays with family, but especially Christmas. Jim and Barbara were married for 56 years, and during that time, through good times and challenging times, their love for one another was unwavering.

Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Jim, her parents, William and Glenna Oldt, her sister, Patricia (Patsy) Lowrance, and her husband, Bobby Lowrance, Barbara’s in-laws Earl Ware, Sr and Versal (Sally) Ware, Earl Ware, Jr. and his wife Susan (Tierney) Ware, and Dianne Chiozza (Ware).

Patsy’s three children, David Lowrance (Susan), Debbie Parham (Doug), and Jamie Lowrance (Kim) were always attentive to Barbara, and with whom Barbara always enjoyed their company.

Barbara also enjoyed the companionship of Cyndi Ware and Sherry Ware through the years after the passing of Jim; and her companionship with Inez Priester over the years, who was a true friend and confidant.

She enjoyed time spent over the years with Jim’s siblings Earl, Jerry, Linda, and Dianne and their families, and the “Ware” extended families.

Barbara cherished her twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She was blessed with and enjoyed a plethora of extended family and friends.

Barbara lived a beautiful life, filled with many blessings. She lived life on her own terms. She was loved by so many; and a blessing to all of them.

In the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:

“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.”

The world has lost a beautiful soul. She was “one of a kind”. The fight is over, she has crossed the finish line, and she is now Home.

A funeral mass for Barbara will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Christ The King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33629. A committal service will occur Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4202 E LAKE AVE, TAMPA, FL 33610. A reception will occur Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629.

Barbara’s final resting place will be at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park alongside Jim.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The James L. Ware, Sr. Jesuit High School Scholarship Fund, 4701 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614.