Barbara May Gooby, 83

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Barbara May Gooby, 83, announces her passing on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Barbara will be lovingly remembered by son Steven (Faith) Czarapata, daughter Carrie (David) Thompson, son Lance Czarapata, son Bryan Czarapata, sister Joanna (Bob) Lagrace, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Malad, Idaho on April 30, 1936, to Kermit and Norma Burke, Barbara expressed a strong independence and love for life from the beginning, and moved to sunny California in the early 1950s. In 1955 she married her first husband, Gary Czarapata, with whom she had four children. And when work prompted the family to move to New Jersey in 1967, it was at that time that Barbara’s interest in community involvement began to evolve. In 1970, the family once more relocated, this time to Sandpoint. And in 1972, after marrying her second husband, Pat Gooby, an established local businessman, she now had the support and platform she needed to make a real difference. Little did she know that over the next 50 years, she would establish herself as a formidable force within the community, that would ultimately create a life defined by a strong business acumen and relentless charitable work.

Whether meeting with governors to sign proclamations, or high school students to discuss the detriment of drug use; fundraising for the Cancer Society or for the senior community; establishing her own successful business ventures or turning around the businesses of others; her overwhelming dedication to community, city, and state was undeniable, and only rivaled by her dedication to her family and friends.

Barbara’s generosity, both in spirit and with her time, always created opportunities to build memories; be it through travel, holidays, activities, cooking or bridge games. She wanted all those around her to live their best possible lives, as she tried to live her own, and she has left behind an indelible impression on all those she knew, and will forever be remembered and immeasurably missed by all those who loved her.

A service will be held in Barbara’s honor on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 11 a.m., viewing will be at the church one hour prior to the service.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements and you can visit Barbara’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com to offer any condolences.