Barbara R. Sterry

Barbara Sterry passed away on January 26, 2023. She was born on October 12, 1943, to Marvin and Ruth Reed in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the second of four children. The family moved to Miami when Barbara was just eight years old. She graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School. She met and married her love, Leland Sterry, shortly after high school graduation. Lee and Barbara relocated to Fort Lauderdale, and after eight years of marriage, they welcomed their first and only child, a daughter, Anne. Lee and Barbara were married for over 50 years…parted only by Lee’s passing in 2014.

Barbara was a "force of nature," enjoying a lifetime of accomplishment and the admiration and respect of her many friends and colleagues. Barbara had a brilliant mind, a wit to match, and was a charming companion. Her commentary regarding events of the day were sharp and insightful. She was a voracious reader and, following her retirement, enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow book club members. She had many interests, among them needlepoint, at which she was exceptionally talented, and her needlework graced her home. She was also known for her amazing skill at decorating and could set the most beautiful table. She always took pride in making sure everything was perfect for family member’s birthdays and throughout the holidays. Nobody could decorate a Christmas tree or wrap a gift like Barbara. She loved to travel and, throughout her life, she was able to visit every major American city, with the exception of Boston. She also traveled extensively internationally…and was thankfully able to fulfill a lifelong dream of going on an African safari. Barbara was a dog lover and always enjoyed spoiling her two pups, Ollie and Hannah. Barbara also had a tremendous sense of humor. Her friends, with some of whom she had maintained a bond throughout most of her adult life, would laugh together to the point of hysteria sharing stories from days gone by. Her friends saw in her a deep commitment to their friendship through her innumerable expressions of kindness, her keen interest in the ups and downs in their lives, their families, and, of course, their grandchildren. Barbara's own grandchildren, Elsa and Andy, were the absolute lights of her life throughout their childhood and into their young adulthood - just as her daughter Anne had always been. She never tired of sharing their accomplishments and dreams, and she could not have been prouder of them.

Barbara received a bachelor's degree in English from Barry University and taught high school English for five years following her graduation. Her desire to serve others in a new way led her to a career in social services with the State of Florida. She began as a front-line social worker and over the next 12 years, assumed increasingly responsible positions, as an adoptions unit supervisor, then superintendent of the district juvenile detention center, and eventually district manager for all children, youth and families programs. Barbara then began a second career, this time in academia at Nova Southeastern University, following a similar arc of success over her 26 year career there. She served as Assistant Director of the Institute for Social Services, Assistant Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Program Administrator for Research, and eventually Executive Director of Grants and Contracts for the entire university. Despite the immense responsibilities accompanying all the positions Barbara held throughout her careers in social services and academia, she was called upon on innumerable occasions to serve as chair of a committees or task force, and as an institutional representative to various community entities. Barbara served as a board member of the National Association of University Research Administrators, and earned a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Barbara's work colleagues, whether subordinates, peers or superiors, knew her as a consummate professional and a superb leader. She commanded respect throughout her work life for her dedication to integrity and ethical decision making, her responsiveness to a crisis in not hesitating to assume additional responsibilities, and her ability to motivate others toward excellence.

As her son-in-law said on the day of her passing, and so many others surely realize, "There will never be another Barbara Sterry!" So much energy, enthusiasm and accomplishment in one life. How she will be missed.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Anne Brantmeyer, her son-in-law, Bob Brantmeyer, and her grandchildren, Elsa and Andy. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Schwartz and nieces, Emily and Katie Schwartz.

Services will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 2 PM at The Church by the Sea, 2700 Mayan Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Services will be followed immediately by a reception dockside on the m/y Sun Dream, 2670 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Barbara Sterry to the Humane Society of Broward County at https://humanebroward.com/ways-to-give/ or at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.