Barbara Jean Spack of McKinney, Texas passed away peacefully on August 9, 2023, at the age of 75. She was born on November 4, 1947, to Vincent Farrell and Cecelia (Cepiel) Farrell in Morris, Illinois. Barbara graduated from Morris Community High School and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Regis College in Denver, Colorado earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She married Timothy Ryan Spack on July 14, 1989, in Dallas, Texas.
Barbara had a long and rewarding career and was described by her business associates as the consummate professional: high energy, highly skilled, great client/customer engagement, incredible business acumen and steadfast work ethic; a consistent over-achiever. She started her career in 1980 at Tenneco Oil Co in Denver, Colorado and she was a Sales Representative at Aidex Corporation in Morris, Illinois. After moving to Dallas, Texas she continued her career as an Account Development Manager for Toshiba (1994-1999) and later as an Account Executive/North American Enterprise Hardware at Sun Microsystems/Oracle (1999-2013) where she won numerous awards including Salesperson of the Year. After retirement, Barbara also enjoyed a brief career as a realtor at Keller Williams.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Timothy Spack of McKinney, Texas; son, Don Fosen and wife, Laurie of Milton, Wisconsin; daughter, Kelly DeYoung and husband, Bradley of Frisco, Texas; granddaughters, Emily Fosen, Madelyn Fosen, and Elizabeth DeYoung; sisters, Kathy Gjerde and Marietta Johnson and husband, Larry; and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Cecelia Farrell and brothers-in-law, Terry Gjerde and Thaddues Spack.
Barbara was described by family and friends as being smart, vivacious, kind, fun-loving and beautiful. From a young age, Barbara possessed a sense of determination and an innate understanding that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. She approached life with courage, confidence, and limitless ambition. She was tenacious and tirelessly pursued her goals, always believing that no obstacle was insurmountable.
Barbara was a strong believer in education, hard work and enjoying life to the fullest. She loved helping people with their careers. She loved spur of the moment adventures, traveling and had a special place in her heart for her husband, family, friends and business associates. She was a member of the Triumph Club and loved to read. She lit up every room she walked into with her energy and enthusiasm.
Her love for life and family included the profound love she shared with her husband, Timothy. Their relationship was a living example of a love that stood the test of time, and bond that grew stronger with each passing year. Through life’s joys and challenges, their partnership remained a source of strength, mutual respect, and unwavering support.
She will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her. In the hearts of all who knew Barbara, she will be forever remembered as a shining example of how to live life boldly, unafraid of the stumbles along the way.
Those who want to honor Barbara’s memory may make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
A celebration of Barbara’s life and her unwavering spirit will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Stonebriar Community Church, 4801 Legendary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034. In the fall, a special private service will be held at Lake Dillon, Colorado to spread her ashes.