Barbara Zietz (1946 - 2024)

Barbara Alice Zietz, 77, of Arnold, Maryland, passed peacefully away on April 23rd, 2024 at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. She was surrounded by those she loved.

She was a beacon of light with her vibrant spirit. Barbara dedicated her life to her family and community. Her legacy of selflessness and volunteering touched countless lives.

Born in 1946 to Helen and Clinton Thomas, the eldest of four, was a guiding force from a young age. Barbara's zest for life shone brightly. In her youth, she was a campfire girl, 4-H club member, and pom-pom girl at High Point High School.

She had two children early in life: Lori and Kendall. Kendall was born with PKU and her resilience was evident in her advocacy for PKU research, inspired by her son's condition. Her tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on many.

In 1988, she met Lewis Zietz during a real estate purchase and their relationship blossomed. They were married in 1989 in their home in Annapolis, Maryland, blending their families and hearts. Lewis had a son, Douglas, from a previous marriage who Barbara welcomed with open arms.

She was a Realtor for over 40 years. She served on more than 35 committees of both the County and State Associations of REALTORS. She was the 2008 Governor of the Maryland State Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS and was an active participant with the Anne Arundel Network.

Barbara's professional achievements are distinguished by the Dozen National Sales Award and the Certified Residential Specialist credential. She is an alumna of the Real Estate Institute, holding designations in At Home with Diversity and Performance Management Networking. She served as the Secretary of the MD/DC Chapter of CRS.

Her passions extended to gardening, sewing, and couponing—talents that brought joy to her family. Barbara's generosity knew no bounds, from sharing conference trinkets with her grandchildren to supporting charitable causes like "Bras for the Cause" and "Harvest for the Hungry."

Barbara's memory will flourish in her beautiful garden, in the plants she gave to everyone who visited her, and in the hearts of those she loved.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Lewis Zietz, and her three children Lori Austin, Kendall Temple (Kathy), and Douglas Zietz (Loni). She leaves behind eight grandchildren: Joshua Temple (Jill), Tirza Austin, Jaime Ownby (Nick), Lydia Venuti (Sam), Matthew Temple, Abigail Austin, Sarah Temple, and Berith Austin. She is also survived by eight (and soon to be nine) loving great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday April 25, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A 495 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park, MD 21146. A Service will be held Friday April 26, 2024 at 1:00pm at Temple Beth Shalom 1461 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD 21012. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

A Livestream of the service may be found at: https://www.annapolistemple.org/worship/live-streaming/