Mrs. Barbara Jean Sobzak

“For we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make.” –Tolkien Barbara Jean Sobzak was a creative, loving soul who lived a life full of adventure, joy, laughter, and love. On her own she was a powerful spirit, who sought to experience all life had to offer, but when she met her soulmate of 65 years, Raymond, while dancing the night away, the universe got a little brighter. Partners on the dance floor, and partners in life, their story was a shining example of a life well lived. But as with all such tales, we must begin at the beginning. Barbara was an amazing woman, who was motivated from a young age and always striving to learn more. From telephone operator to pediatric nurse, to co-owner of her own printing business, she was always moving forward on her journey regardless of where she was in life, even going back to college in her 60’s to get an accounting degree to help with the printing business finances. Nothing stood in her way. An active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority throughout her life, she attained the Order of the Rose, and held a Preceptor degree, continuing her work with her sisters even later in life. Lest you think that such a radiant soul could be contained to such a singular focus, you need only look to her artistic abilities to fully understand the joy she brought to the world around her. A musician of note, mastering the lap steel guitar and playing at the New York World’s Fair, as well as becoming a skillful organist and leader of the choir, Barbara brought joy to her life and to the lives of others through her love of music. Sharing her gift with friends and family whenever the opportunity presented itself, but her art was not limited to just music. An amazing seamstress, stained glass artist and creative soul, Barbara sought to make the world a little brighter by sharing her passion and her art. For most that would be a legacy worthy of song, but with Raymond at her side Barbara went even further, exploring all the corners of the globe, and embodying the phrase, “not all those who wander are lost”. No matter where the road took them, they made life-long friends and had amazing adventures which she shared with her family, inspiring them to see and experience all that the world had to offer. Her spark shone ever brighter through the people she touched and those she inspired to live life to its fullest. While she was many things, Barbara first and foremost was always there for family and friends, offering unconditional love and support whenever they needed it. She was proud to be a loving partner, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, inspiring her family through her actions and the example she set for those she touched. Barbara is survived by her loyal companion BeBe, sisters Jane Leary, Carol Heron, her brother Raymond Normandeau, her children Carol Velez (Lou) and Terry Sobzak (Lorrie); grandchildren Michelle Waldron (Aaron), Marco Diaz (Tammy), Jason Sobzak (Amy), Laci Hammond (Lyle), and Trey Sobzak; great-grandchildren Ava and Anna Sobzak, Melody (Matt) and Maximus Diaz; as well as many loving extended family and many friends around the globe. She will be sorely missed but she will continue to inspire those she touched to seek out all life has to offer. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 5 at 4:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 P.M. Graveside committal to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at Facebook.com/HopewellFuneral. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Mrs. Barbara Jean Sobzak

January 20, 2022

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Mrs. Barbara Jean Sobzak

January 20, 2022

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