Mrs. Barbra Louise Sessa's Obituary
Barbra Louise Sessa, 44, of Seminole, passed away on Thursday July 9, 2009 at H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was a daughter of the late Arthur Whalen and Barbara (Marriett) Hay. She was the Assistant Program Director for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program. Her co-workers had this to say, "The Guardian ad Litem Program was richly blessed to have Barbra with us for over 15 years. During those years she trained and certified thousands of volunteers who advocated for countless abused children in our community. She was our rock and a resource for our staff and volunteers. She served as the Assistant Director for the past 9 years. Even through years of serious illnesses, Barbra continued to work and dedicate her life to helping Pinellas County's most vulnerable. There was no challenge that Barbra could not meet, personally or professionally. She always made time to help whoever walked through the door at the GAL Program. She had a remarkable giving and fighting spirit. She could see the bright side in every situation. She will never be replaced and our lives have been richly blessed for having her with us." Barbra was a member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Largo. She loved to travel, enjoyed shopping and cooking. She is survived by her husband, John Sessa, Seminole, FL; two daughters, Maria and Julia Sessa, Seminole, FL; her mother, Barbara Hay, Pinellas Park, FL; a brother, Fred Whalen, Somersworth, NH; a sister, Andrea Hay, Tewksbury, MA; a brother, Andrew Hay, Rochester, NH; A brother, John Hay, Madeira Beach, FL; an aunt, Louise Kelly, Tewksbury, MA; an Uncle, Robert Kelly, Tewksbury, MA; a niece, Aubrie Whalen, Seminole, FL; and several other nieces. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her memory be made to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center at 12902 - Magnolia Drive Tampa, FL 33612 or online at www.moffitt.org.
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