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.