Barbara Jean Stilinovich

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Barbara Jean Stilinovich

June 22, 1950 ~ November 21, 2023

Our devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend Barbara Jean Stilinovich passed away on November 21, 2023 after a short battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on June 22, 1950 to Harold Erickson and Mary Sanone Erickson in Salt Lake City. She later married the love of her life, Tony Stilinovich, on September 11, 1971 at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with their son Anthony Stilinovich, whom they adored. She was also blessed with her family, friends and 12 godchildren. They were her pride and joy.

Barbara was extraordinary. She was wise and smart and funny and a natural storyteller. She drew people in with these gifts and formed life-long friendships with them. She was someone you could talk to. She had empathy and understanding and shared them freely. In recent years she and her son Anthony started a business selling handmade metal art creations designed by Anthony, which Barbara helped merchandise and sell at farmer’s markets in Salt Lake City and Park City. Their business was created after the pair’s husband and father, Tony, had died, and helped the mother and son duo take their minds off their loss.

When her husband Tony died some of the light went out of Barbara’s life. The two of them were a perfect match. One of the qualities they shared was their kindness and generosity. If they saw someone in need they didn’t hesitate to step in and help, and they did it freely and quietly, never looking for praise. Barbara was a longtime supporter of the Carmelite nuns in Holladay and an annual supporter of the MS Society of Utah in memory of her late cousin John Sanone. Barbara liked to laugh. She could look at some of the craziness in life and make it funny. She had such a warm laugh, one that we’ll all miss.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her son Anthony, her adored brother John Erickson and sister-in-law Ethelyn. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in- law Joe and Linda Stilinovich, sisters-in-law Clara Winrow and Margaret Baily, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many very dear friends.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on December 6, 2023; interment followed at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.