Barbara Lynn Plasker

PLASKER, BARBARA LYNN, 52, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, died Wednesday, August 11, 2004, living a miraculous life after a diagnosis of a rare lung cancer more than 11 years ago. In 1993, she was the first broncho alveolar cell carcinoma patient to receive a double lung transplant. Constantly surrounded by a loving supportive group of family and friends, she drew strength from those who loved her, but more so, was an inspiration to all who knew her for her boundless determination and courage in facing her unbeatable disease. Born July 6, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, Barbara graduated from The Ohio State University in 1974, after which she moved to, Atlanta, Georgia, where she met her husband Neal Plasker. Married in 1976, they relocated to South Florida and raised their family. Barbara was a member of the Temple Solel and its Sisterhood and JAFCO. She enjoyed tennis, mah jongg, needlepoint, was an avid reader, and loved being with friends. Considered an excellent cook by family and friends, she loved entertaining in her home. Besides her husband of 28 years, Neal, she is survived by children, Staci and Joel Libowsky, of Atlanta; Jonathan Plasker and Andrew Plasker, of Pembroke Pines; father, Harry Speert and the late Pearl Speert of Davie; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Michelle Speert, and sister and brother-in-law Judy and Lary Schiller, all of San Francisco; father-in-law, Norman Plasker and the late Lorraine Plasker; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Susan Plasker, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Cindy and Ira Levy, of Dallas, Texas; loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and devoted Golden Retriever, Goldie. Contributions: The National Transplant Assistance Fund, Suite 230, 3475 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA, 19073; Tempel Solel, Hollywood; or University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School Transplant Program. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 13, 2004, 3:30pm at Beth David Levitt Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 3201 NW 75 Ave., Hollywood. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.