Barbara Ann West

Barbara Ann Miraglia West of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home on July 8, 2026. She was born in Washington D.C. on May 2, 1939, to Edward and Ethel Miraglia. The family lived in Washington, D.C. where she graduated from The Academy of Notre Dame. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Robert F. West, Sr.

In 1959, she married Robert “Bob” West and started their family in Maryland. They moved to Marco Island, Florida, in 1973 and later Naples, Florida, in 1984. They enjoyed league bowling, cheering on their children, family gatherings, traveling and RVing. She was a devoted wife, mother and proud homemaker. Her greatest joy was volunteering and supporting their four children in church, school and community activities. Sports, scouts, 4-H, dance, Sunday school and music were activities where she enthusiastically gave her time, talents and leadership. She especially committed herself to being a proud band booster for over ten years to the Lely High School band in Naples where she was “mom” to hundreds of students. During her fifties she went back to school earning top marks and her Certified Nursing Assistant certification. She spent several years caring for patients in the same loving way she cared for her family. A lifelong cat mom, she also worked for a feline veterinary clinic. In recent years, her sweet Sami provided love, comfort and companionship. In their later years, time with grandchildren also brought Bob and Barbara great joy.

Barbara is survived by her loving children Robert F. West, Jr. (Cindy) of Jasper, AL, Karen West of Lakeland, FL, Donald West (Mia) of Lakeland, FL, and Michael West of Lakeland, FL, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister Joanne Snow, brother Edward Miraglia, Jr. (Margaret), and several nieces and nephews. She is also preceded in death by her sister in-law, Candy, brother in-law, Harold “Benny” Self, Jr. and grandson, Ethan Robert West.

The family will hold a service in the chapel at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801 on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), Lakeland, Florida. https://viste.org/donate-to-viste/