Hope Barnett , March 16, 1949 — June 08, 2018

BARNETT, Hope Cohen , died peacefully on June 8, 2018. Born in Jacksonville and raised in Tampa, she spent her life devoted to family, community and philanthropy. She gave her time, attention and res to many causes, but those closest to her heart were Jewish causes, health care and grandparents’ rights.

Her hard work and fortitude were recognized early in her career as a “professional volunteer” when she was elected to serve as the first and youngest woman president of the Tampa Jewish Federation in 1980. She rose through the ranks by serving on many committees and holding leadership positions, including campaign chair, secretary, and Tampa’s representative to the National Women’s Board of United Jewish Communities (UJC). Her active leadership inspired the founding of the “Hope Cohen Barnett Young Leadership Award,” an endowment fund that annually recognizes and supports an outstanding young leader in the Jewish community.

Hope was also an active member on the Board of many other organizations, including the original Tampa Jewish Community Center; her synagogue, Congregation Rodeph Shalom, and the State of Israel Bonds Young Leadership Committee. Hope founded the JACS Tampa chapter in 2003, and in 2008, received Hadassah’s Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Lion of Judah Award for outstanding communal leadership. She summed up her lifelong passion for service with the simple mantra, “I just try to do things that are right”.

Outside the Jewish community, Hope has been an informal mentor and re for those living with multiple sclerosis and lupus. She was an avid researcher and a fierce health advocate, and happily shared her own personal experiences and knowledge with others. Private funeral services were held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Hope’s honor to one of the following charities: TOP Jewish Foundation “Hope Cohen Barnett Young Leadership Fund, ”13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa, FL 33625, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Lupus Research Alliance. The schedule for Shivah is as follows: Sunday through Tuesday (6/10 – 6/12) 6:00pm to 9:00pm with services each night at 7:00pm, at Congregation Rodeph Sholom.

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