Barbara Lynn Zeppos

Barbara was born into life on September 1st, 1955, and found peace on February 18th, 2017, at the age of 61. While strong, gracious, ethical, elegant, and generous are all words that accurately represent Barbara, her defining characteristic was her devotion to her family. Barbara was the beloved wife of Nick, the devoted mother to her three children –  Amanda (Todd) Russo, Nicholas Zeppos, and Andrew Zeppos – and loving grandmother to Beckett and the late Luca Russo. She was the cherished daughter of Marie and the late Robert Willborn. She was a very special, life-long friend of Sandra Davis, whom she considered a sister, and her husband, Gary.

Barbara’s adoration for her family was apparent to all who knew her. She relished the opportunity to host holidays and family gatherings, she looked so forward to family vacations, and, very simply, she loved any opportunity to be amongst her family. Some of her most cherished time was spent with her grandson, Beckett – she loved to spoil him, sing with him and share in the excitement of all his milestones.

While family was undoubtedly the most important aspect of Barbara’s life, she found great success in her professional life, as well. Together with Nick, Barbara founded Studio 890 in Elm Grove, in 1979, and she worked to build the salon into the epitome of excellence and professionalism in the Milwaukee area. Due to Barbara and her staff’s commitment to being the best in the industry, the company eventually expanded to a second Studio 890 location in 1988, as well as The Art of Hair salon in 1994.

Barbara’s passion for fashion and design, along with her uncompromising quest for excellence guided the way for Studio 890’s acceptance into the prestigious  “Intercoiffure,” an organization comprised of the best salons in the world, as well as achieving Titanium status with Goldwell International. It was together with these organizations that Barbara explored the world – South Africa, New York, Europe, and many other locations – all in the pursuit of the latest trends in fashion and design. Barbara shared her passion for travel by including her staff on trips and inspiring them to continually grow as professionals. Barbara was widely respected and loved by her loyal staff, clients, and many others in the fashion industry.

Barbara’s sense of family spread well-beyond the traditional definition and she consistently went out of her way to help those in need. She supported numerous charities through the donation of her time and talents. Barbara helped to shape the lives and successes of so many, in so many different ways – never seeking or desiring personal recognition – but simply because that is the kind of person she was. She wanted others to shine, and she worked tirelessly to create those opportunities. Barbara left this world a more beautiful place. As a dear friend stated, and many more undoubtedly echo this sentiment, “Barbara made me a better person for knowing her.”

Memorial Service at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235  West Capitol Drive, Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated in Barbara’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.

“You will always be loved, remembered and missed.”