Barbara Deborah “Deb” Spark passed away on November 15th, 2023 in the comfort of her home with her daughter and grandson by her side after a long illness. She was 74 years old.
She was born in Lakehurst, NJ in June of 1949. Her father was a Navy man who worked with the Blimps at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. Her mother was an office manager and homemaker. After high school, Deb moved from NJ to Utah and began the new chapter of her life.
Deb was a highly respected professional in the Utah world of special education. During her career in Wayne County, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), and Granite School District, she earned the admiration of many colleagues. Serving in various roles in Wayne, Deb gained the gratitude of parents and teachers of children with special needs. In Granite, during her role as Director of Elementary Special Education, those coordinators lucky enough to work with her relied on Deb’s skill and tact to resolve issues among stakeholders.
As a member of the USBE Monitoring Team on innumerable trips around the state, Deb could always be counted on to keep a level head and share her expertise. On many visits to rural schools and school districts, Deb kept the team lively while searching for a school among the hayfields and sheep pastures.
She will be remembered for her unwavering passion for sustainable gardening, both edible and ornamental. Many of her friends benefitted from home-made raisins she made from her backyard grapevine, as well as canned apricots from her fruit trees. She was always giving, and never required anything in return. Deb was smart, fun, witty and loyal.
Deb is preceded in death by her father Michael, and her mother Celia. She is survived by her daughter, Allison and grandson Felix, as well as siblings Michael Jr., John, Christina and Martha.
I’m so sad to hear the world has lost the presence of a wonderful lady. Deb was my Associate Director in Granite School District. She was one of the best people I ever worked with. She loved the kids and developed trust with parents. It seemed she could solve any problem that came her way. To top it all, she had a wonderful sense of humor and made the work place a joy. The world was a better place because she was in it.
Deb mentored me though SpEdCo when I first moved to Utah and was working at my first school as a professional teacher. She was kind, direct, and honest. I loved her candor and wit, and will always remember her as a wonderful mentor, teacher, and co-worker. I will miss Deb, she was one of a kind.
Deb hired me at GSD and provided tremendous support and assurance I could do the job as special education teacher. She was extremely knowledgeable and realistic. The buck stopped with Deb! There was no BS-ing with her. She would say it how it was, no sugar coating, but you knew she had compassion and empathy. Our district benefited greatly from Deb’s leadership. She was respected and loved. May she test in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. She was my favorite Special Education Director for the 3 different districts I’ve been a special education teacher. She was always approachable, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. Her door was always open, something that is rare for special education directors. What a truly lovely woman. She will be missed.
Deb saw my job application on her desk and called me immediately. She hired me, she was my biggest cheerleader and I considered her a friend. Granite school district lost an amazing, confident, intelligent and feisty leader when Deb retired. Deb made a difference in so many lives. Well done Deb! You will be missed.
Deb was an outstanding mentor for me when I began my career as a special education director. Deb's guidance was not just for work related but she was also great life mentor. Right before I got married, Deb gave me her snow plow as a gift. Amazing human being that will be missed forever. Fly high Deb!
Dear Alison, family and friends,
Deb was an example of love and diligently striving to achieve a happy life. Truly an honor to have
been a part of her journey.
May the beautiful memories created bring peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Sending our love,
Suncrest Hospice
I have such fond memories of chatting with your mom during USBE special education monitoring visits. Her humor and insights brought so much value and pleasure to the work. I always looked forward to conversations with her as she made me feel so welcome when I was new at USBE.
She will always be remembered as a strong, caring and outspoken woman!
Lavinia Gripentrog
