Barbara Dobrott Stapleford passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, her 93rd birthday, at her home in Green Bay, WI.

Barbara was always looking for another social occasion to plan; whether it was a tennis game, bridge match, wine tasting or a family gathering, she loved people and people loved her. In the early days of their marriage, she and Bob hosted parties at their first home in Westchester, CA and enjoyed time with family and friends. As his professional circle widened, she organized a bridge group. She hosted in style with beautiful kaftans and jeweled slippers. The bridge group eventually evolved to a wine tasting group. Along with this group of friends, she and Bob traveled through California's wine country, the western United States, and eventually Europe, tasting wine and appreciating food and culture abroad.

Born in Santa Monica to Herman Gene and Marie (Frawley) Dobrott, she was under the protective eye of her older brother James Eugene Dobrott. Growing up in Santa Monica, she enjoyed tennis, walking to the library and the beach. At some point in her young life, she decided to leave home. She told her mother that this was her plan and packed a suitcase, dressed in her good clothes and was ready to go. Her mother said goodbye and told her to remember she could not cross the street without an adult. So, she made it to the corner and had to turn back. Quite the adventure! She was a tournament tennis player and achieved some rank in high school and again as an adult in leagues in Southern California, collecting many trophies along the way. After graduating from Saint Monica's High School in 1952, she attended Mount St. Mary's College, earning a bachelor's degree in social work in 1956. Although her father passed away during her time at Mount St. Mary's, her Uncle Dave encouraged and funded her pursuit of an advanced degree at The Catholic University of America. She later completed her master's degree and returned home to Santa Monica. It was there that she met Bob, at a church sponsored dance.

She would marry the love of her life, Robert Lee Stapleford, on May 24, 1958. Her first job was at Holy Family Adoptive Services, and it was through this agency that they adopted their first child, James Robert Stapleford in 1961 and their second child, Susan Marie in 1964. Tragically, James Robert (Jimmy) passed away at age three in 1965, only weeks prior to the birth of Linda Ann. The family was later blessed with the arrival of Marie Louise.

When her children were young, Bob had an opportunity to move to what is now known as Silicon Valley. She made this transition smooth and provided support and love as her family managed new schools and social life. Joining Alpine Hills Country Club gave the family an anchor; she and Bob made quick tennis friends, and her daughters enjoyed tennis and swimming which became their weekend pursuits.

Barbara always put family first and raised her children accordingly, but she was also a career-minded woman. As her children became more independent, she used her education to find fulfilling work as a social worker at Little Company of Mary Hospital, and after earning her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, she developed a thriving private practice. She was always interested and driven to help other people which was evident in the number of friendships she had, professional relationships she kept and above all, the love of family members.

After long and productive years as professionals, Bob and Barbara retired to Green Bay. She quickly made friends and established another bridge group, enjoying the game, roping in Bob for fun and loved the social lunches that came with those tournaments.

Over the years our family enjoyed countless summers on the beach of Green Bay, at their home, with big family gatherings, bonfires, s'mores and fireworks. Winter fun included building snowmen, sledding and coming in for her delicious hot chocolate and many Packer game tailgates! She became a true Green Bay Packer fan.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Stapleford; her daughters Susan Anderson (Douglas Lasater), Linda Bluestein (David), and Marie Heidemann (Joseph); and her grandsons James Anderson, Zachary Bluestein, and Alexander Bluestein.

Friends and family will gather at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., (The entrance is directly across from BP gas station on Glendale Ave.) from 10am to 11am on Friday, December 19; Mass to follow at 11am. Mass will also be livestreamed on the St. John the Baptist Howard Facebook page. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, Holy Family Services, or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), reflecting Barbara's deep love of family, faith, and helping others.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of New Perspective Senior Living in Green Bay for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.