Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Barbara Spangler Obituary
BARBARA ANN SPANGLER
Barbara Ann Spangler passed away on March 22, 2023 at 70 years of age. She was surrounded by her family.
A proud and passionate resident of Arlington, VA for over 45 years, Barb was an active member of the community. She served as the co-chair of the academic programs committee and as President of Encore Learning, volunteer at the Arlington Food Assistance Center, and leader of a local Girl Scout troop. Barb was a founding member of PAX - an Intentional Eucharistic Community in McLean, VA.
Born in Iowa City, IA and raised in McLean, VA, Barb received her bachelor's degree from Marietta College. She worked for over 30 years in the federal government, retiring in 2013.
She is survived by Steve, her husband of 42 years; her children Chris (Filipa) and Libby (Bobby); her grandchildren Isabel and Lucas; her siblings George, Julie, Frank, and Megan; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, Dr. George and Diane Stevens.
Barb will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, caring mother, doting "Gamma", wonderful sister and aunt, and dear friend.
A celebration of Barb's life will take place on April 4, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Luke Orthodox Hall, 6801 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA.
In honor of Barb's memory, contributions are welcome to the Arlington Food Assistance Center at https://afac.org/donate/donate-give/, Encore Learning at https://encorelearning.net/about/donate/, or PAX Community at https://paxcommunity.org/donate/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Spangler
David Tate
April 4, 2023
Barbara is a loving, wise soul. Personal compassion, wisdom, vision, and the ability to make a vision reality are just some of the traits that made Barbara special. She will be missed in so many ways. We may no longer be able to seek her counsel directly, but we can all strive to emulate the way she walked among us.
Janet Auten
April 4, 2023
I'm grateful to have known Barb through Encore Learning. For me, she embodied the energy and interest in learning of our organization. Janet Auten
Grace M Schmitt
April 3, 2023
I worked for Barbara at the US Marshals Service. She was such a wise and kind supervisor. I re-connected with her at Encore which was such a welcome surprise. I am so sorry she left this world so soon.
Jere Cummins
April 2, 2023
I got to know Barbara from her wonderful work with Encore Learning. So talented in being the head of the faculty committee. Encore will certainly miss her.
Laren Alphan & Myralena Pittakara
March 30, 2023
We met Barb through the Cyprus Friendship Programme in 2015- she and Steve were our host parents in the summer of 2015. She was a sweet, caring woman who made us feel at home with her love and cheerfulness, even at thousands of miles away from home. Barb inspired us with her love for life and her dedication to serve- both within her immediate community and through her responsiveness towards global issues, as evident from hosting young people from the other side of the world. She was a source of joy and it was impossible to be around her and not be uplifted in spirits. Her untimely passing is incredibly saddening but we find solace in having known such a lively and joyous woman and having shared time together. We will always remember her and forever cherish the memories we´ve had together. Wishing strength to Steve, and the rest of the family.
Deniz
March 29, 2023
Barb was an amazing person and an incredible host mom. I am so glad to get the opportunity to know her in my lifetime. She was a very kind person with a very beautiful heart. I will always remember her and our memories in US
Lisa Spangler
March 26, 2023
Aunt Barb was such an incredible BLESSING to our family. I grew up with "Bachelor" Uncle Steve visiting with presents from all over the world. However, the best present was when he married Aunt Barb! Their union created two of the most amazingly kind people on this planet, Chris & Libby! Through their strength and delightfully upbeat manner (humor included courtesy of Uncle Steve) this celebration of Aunt Barb´s life will help us all find joy in this time of mourning.
Cassandra Mitchell
March 26, 2023
Barb was my dearest friend. Her sage advice, integrity, sense of humour, kindness and compassion shone through everything she said and did. Even through we were separated by the Pacific Ocean, we could always pick up the conversation as if we had just spoke the day before.
Her love for her family was infectious. I clearly remember her joy at telling me Isabel had arrived, and again when Lucas arrived. Her time spent with Chris and Libby and later the grandchildren brightened her life and gave her great joy. The pride in her family was evident ever time she spoke of them. Her love for Steve was inspiring, as was his for her.
I was indeed the luckiest person to be able to call Barb my friend. She will be forever missed and admired.
Cassandra Mitchell
March 26, 2023
Barb was my best friend ever. She will be so truly missed. Even though we were separated by so many miles and the Pacific Ocean, we could pick up conversations like we were just next door.
I remember all the sage advice during my Marietta years and all the years since then; the long phone calls; the visits we've had over the last 49 years; the deep admiration and love we shared and the many laughs. Her love of people, learning, friends but most of all her family, shone through everything she said and did.
The world has lost a beautiful soul. Our hearts are broken. Please take comfort in knowing how much you were loved and respected. Our thoughts are with Steve, Chris, Libby and her family.
Bonnie Birker
March 25, 2023
Remembering so many visits and talks with Barb and Steve regarding our Panama ties. She was a very special person who will always be part of our Panama and D.C. stories. Peace to you Steve, and to the family.
Marjorie Varner
March 25, 2023
I am in shock. Barb was one of my favorite people to have worked with at Encore Learning and I counted her as a friend. Deepest sympathy from many miles but only an heartbeat away.
Valerie (Whiting) Diaz
March 25, 2023
Barb was the "madrina" of my baby shower. Now that baby is about to turn 6. She will be so missed, and her love and spirit will always be felt by the 100s, 1000s of people she brought joy to.
John and Diane Allensworth
March 25, 2023
Dear Steve, This is indeed a tragic shock to us all. We send our most sincere condolences to you, Chris and Libby. We'll talk later but we want you to know that you are definitely in our thoughts and prayers. John and Diane
Kris McLaughlin
March 25, 2023
A wise leader and wonderful friend, Barb left us too soon. Sincere sympathy to Steve and the rest of her family.
Gene Coon
March 25, 2023
I remember Barbara as a respected and valued member of the US Marshals Headquarters Team. I recall the guidance and advice she provided on personnel matters during my tenure. My warmest condolences to her family.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Spangler's name
Memorial Events
for Barbara Spangler
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Spangler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
