Barbara Sobotka 1951-2023

Barb was born in Buffalo, New York, on Aug. 12, 1951. In her early childhood, the Lowry family relocated to Salem, the hometown of her father, where Barb attended St. Paul School and graduated from Salem High School in 1969. Barb then attended Thiel College, from where she graduated in three years. During her high school and then college summers, she attended Avignon University, Avignon, France, which began a lifetime love for her of that country.

After graduation, Barb worked as a social worker, and then became a full-time, stay-at-home mother to son, Graham.

At the time of her death, Barb was the CEO of Lowry Supply Company, which her beloved father, Raymond, started in 1953.

Barb was incredibly smart, with a razor-sharp wit, and infinitely talented. Over her lifetime, her close friends and family watched her pick up skills like sewing, knitting, stained glass, cooking and decorating, and master them. She will forever be remembered for her Christmas fruitcakes and candy, and was insistent that tradition be carried on after she was gone. She enjoyed doing projects for those close to her and teaching what she was passionate about.

Throughout her adult life, Barb traveled to Europe, and especially adored her time in France. She was a wealth of knowledge and information, and inspired a love for those places with the people that were fortunate to go with her.

Barb was a devoted mother and loved spending time with Graham. They shared many interests and always strived to make each other better and learn new things from each other. She impressed upon him to always lead by example and put others first, ideals she lived by every day.

Barb was a fiercely loyal friend, kept a close circle of people around her, and lived by the motto, “You always know where you stand with me.”

In recent years, Barb’s closest friend, Kristy Edwards, became her rock. Kristy always lent a helping hand to Barb, but more than anything, their friendship was unwavering.

Barb always kept pets as companions and her animals were a priority for her, always by her side.

Barb was preceded in death by her mother and father, Raymond and Suzanne Lowry: and her beloved aunt and uncle, James “Lock” and Joyce Laughlin.

She is survived by one son, Graham T. (Gracie) Sobotka; her brother, Christopher Lowry of Salem; and sister, Nancy (Mike) Mahon of Punta Gorda, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Barb’s behalf to The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, at my.clevelandclinic.org/giving; or Fairfield Animal Hospital, 1126 Village Plaza, Columbiana, OH 44408.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church.

If unable to attend, join the complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Barb’s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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