- Date Of Birth: December 15, 1934
- Date Of Death: November 13, 2014
- State: Florida
Barbara Viele Spano
Program Director, Radiologic Technology Program
Lakeland Regional Medical Center
Barbara Viele Spano was called home to our heavenly Father following a long and courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, November 13, 2014.
Barbara was born in 1934 to Lt. Cmdr. Jim and Babette Boomer. She called Charleston, South Carolina her home. She graduated from St. Andrews High in 1952. After graduating from Roper Hospital School of Radiologic Technology in Charleston, she practiced her profession at McLeod’s Infirmary in Florence, South Carolina, then on to Duke University Medical Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Barbara married Charles Viele in 1956 and was blessed with 4 children. Following the loss of her husband in 1962, with the assistance of her dear friend Doris Jarvis, Barbara moved her family to Oklahoma City where she had accepted a position at Oklahoma City Medical Center.
In 1969, she moved to Lakeland following her acceptance as Program Director at Lakeland General Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology.
Barbara was widely respected by her peers and remained active in the radiologic technology field for many years following her retirement in 1999. Barbara was passionate about her career in radiology. She served in local, state and national societies to promote advancement in the radiologic sciences. She held several offices in the Florida Society of Radiologic Technologists (FSRT) including Essay and Exhibit Chair, Secretary, Vice President and President. The FSRT honored Barbara by making her a life member, an award given to very few members. In addition to the Florida Society, she was active in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and served as a Florida delegate for many years. Her desire to help students in Radiologic Sciences programs prompted her to organize yearly board review seminars with several colleges in central and coastal Florida. In 1980, Barbara proposed to expand these yearly small seminars to a larger biennial conference and include sessions for educators. Following a pattern of a student – educator conference established in Georgia, Barbara organized the West Coast Educators Council (WCEC) with the help of Directors from radiography programs in Tampa, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg. Initially, this program drew students and educators from Florida. By 1985, the WCEC members decided to invite students from the Southeast. By the early 90’s the WCEC Student-Educator Conference was advertised to all programs in the United States. Through Barbara’s efforts, the WCEC membership grew to also include educators from radiography programs in Winter Haven, Orlando, Daytona and Fort Myers and the conference enhanced its educational offerings to not only students and program directors but also to clinical instructors and staff radiographers. The biennial WCEC conference routinely has an attendance of approximately 1200 and is nationally recognized.
In 1977, Barbara married John Spano, a widower, and became like a mother to his 4 children.
John and Barbara traveled the world extensively, from African Safaris to walking parts of the Great Wall of China.
In addition to her being honored as the Girl’s Club of Lakeland’s “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award in 1986, Barbara was also honored as “Employee of the Month” at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Delta Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a teacher’s society. She was a member of St.
She is survived by her husband John, her sister Katy Hewitt (Roger), children Amy Viele Taylor (Sutton), David Viele, and Blakely Viele (Dave). Barbara also welcomed into her heart her husband John’s children Janet (Ralph), Loraine, and Carolyn (Gary). Grandchildren: Marshall (Ysabel), Lauren Ann (Tim), Rhiannon (Shane), David Jr, Marissa, Julianne, Jordan, and Matthew. The recent joy in Barbara’s life was the birth of her great grandchildren, Paisley Elizabeth Ray and Sutton Cruz Taylor. She is blessed with several nieces and nephews: Dallas Twiford (Diane), Babbie O’Brien (Mike), Buddy Aimar (Cherie), Charlie Aimar (MaryAnne), and Paul Aimar (Candy).
Barbara was predeceased by her beloved daughter Susan, son John Spano, Jr., grandaughter Lindsey, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, and son-in law, Kevin Schminkey.
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