Barbara Mary Staras

Barbara Staras, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Gainesville, FL, on Thursday, June 5th. She left behind three children, Monica Schnitzer (John Reeder), Rachel Staras Lesser (Evan Lesser), and Matt Staras (Stephanie Staras); five grandchildren, Annie Lesser, Henry Lesser, Thomas Schnitzer, Gavin Staras, and Finn Staras; nephew Aaron Dahrooge; beloved companion Cooper the Labradoodle; and several cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and grandson Connor Staras. 

Barbara was born and raised in Worcester, MA. She met her husband, Tony, when they both worked at her family’s gas station, and they were married for more than 50 years. While raising their young family, Barbara worked at Do-Re-Mi nursery school and summer camps. She volunteered as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and was elected to the School Committee in Shrewsbury, MA. 

Barbara began her professional career as a punch-card operator in the early days of mainframe computers. When Tony was transferred to metro Atlanta, GA, Barbara’s career took off. A strong female role model in a male-dominated industry, she climbed the corporate ladder, first as a customer service manager and then as a professional services manager. She loved work, many of her colleagues became close friends.

Barbara’s other love was decorating homes. She enjoyed touring model homes, reading design magazines, and shopping at upscale design stores. Her homes were “showpieces” and her pride and joy. She also enjoyed serving on the HOA board for Oakmont in Gainesville, FL.

Most of all, Barbara fiercely loved her family, most especially her grandchildren and her labradoodle Cooper. She will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Kidney Fund at give.kidneyfund.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Mary Staras, please visit our floral store.