Barbara Ivy

IVY, Barbara 63, of Tampa died on Jan. 8, 2011 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born Aug. 15, 1947 in Miami. Daughter of George and Jenny Burney, sister of Mickey and wife of Jim Ivy. She is survived by her sons, Todd and Trent Cooper, daughter-in-law Shannon Cooper, grandson George Cooper and mother-in-law Jewel Ivy. Barbara was a very special lady with an amazing ability to persevere in the face of adversity. She fought through 41 years of multiple sclerosis, cancer and countless other afflictions. Through it all, she never saw herself as sick and always found a way to be happy - which is probably why so many people were drawn to her. She always saw the glass half full. She loved to chitchat. Made friends everywhere she went. She loved bingo, The Price is Right, The Guiding Light, The Bucs, Citrus Park Mall, ribs from Sonny's, Bloomin' onions from Outback, dogs, children, manicures, baseball, colorful clothes, costume jewelry, kosher pickles, ice cream Snicker bars and action movies. More than anything, she loved life. She will be laid to rest on Friday morning in a family plot at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Miami. In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to Woodbridge Rehab, 8720 Jackson Springs Road, Tampa, FL 33615. Mark on the memo of the check "Barbara Ivy Activities Fund." Woodbridge is the nursing home where she lived the last several years of her life. These donations will fund future activities for Barbara's friends and fellow residents (restaurant trips, shopping excursions, movies, etc.). The family would like to thank the entire healthcare community in Tampa for their love, care and support. Specifically, her personal care managers Mitzi Taylor Smith and Lisa Stablein, her dear friends Gerald and Kathy Max, Frank Nathan and the staff at Woodbridge, Dr. Brannan, Dr. Cascione, Dr. Noh and all of her friends at St. Joe's Hospital. Brewer & Sons Funeral Home 813-835-4991