Barbara Jean Raskin

Barbara Jean (BJ) Raskin, age 72, passed away May 31, 2024 at Shands at The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Sigo and Rosa Abraham Raskin. She was a proud Gator, earning her BSBA in Accounting in 1973 from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida. BJ was a passionate advocate for all people, especially women and children. Experiencing sexism in the workplace early in her career, BJ worked hard to make a path for women in business. "I knew then I had to take my destiny into my own hands and make the business world a better place for myself and other women." She owned a successful accounting firm, serving over 400 corporate and individual clients. She hired women transitioning financially, domestically and professionally and provided them with on-the-job training in individual tax preparation. In 1986, she was elected chair of the Florida Delegation to the White House Conference on Small Business, where she testified in front of Congress about the issues facing women-owned and small businesses. She served on more than 15 boards for organizations like Miami-Dade County Commission on the Status of Women, the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Greater Miami, the City of South Miami Commission for Women, and the National Association of Women and Business Owners, among others.
Twenty months ago, BJ met Joan Lyon and tied the knot on April 18, 2024. While their time together was too short, they made up for it with lots of love and laughter. They were each others soulmates.
BJ is survived by her wife, Joan Lyon, many cousins and a large group of longtime friends who adored her.
In lieu of flowers, please remember BJ by sending gifts to the Barbara Jean Raskin, CPA Master's in Accounting Scholarship – Fund # 022651 https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/022651-barbara-jean-raskin-cpa-masters-in-accounting-scholarship/
Checks payable to UF Foundation – 100 Bryan Hall, PO Box 117150, Gainesville FL 32611– Attn: Alison Law
or The Child Advocacy Center https://childadvocacycentergainesville.org
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Raskin family.