Barbara Koch-Santoro

Barbara Koch-Santoro passed away peacefully at her residence in W. Norriton Twp. surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was 67 years old. Barbara was a longtime member of Visitation BVM Church in Trooper, PA, where she was very active in multiple organizations including CYO and the church choir. Barbara received her Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy from Temple University and then worked as a Recreational Therapist for many years.

Born on November 9, 1956, she was a daughter of the late Arthur G. and Catherine (Conway) Koch. Barbara was also the beloved wife of David J. Santoro, with whom she shared almost 45 years of marriage.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, David J. Santoro (Amanda) and Christopher Santoro (Gabby); her daughter, Julia Kelly (Josh); 2 granddaughters, Adelyn and Josephine; 1 grandson on the way; 2 brothers, Robert Koch (Kathy) and Dr. J. Michael Koch; 3 sisters, Margaret Scharf (Rick), Patricia Corn, and Christine Kehoe (Mark); as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a special person —one of a kind, the type you may only meet a few of in your lifetime. Talented, selfless, caring, and passionate are just a few words to describe her and her impact on those around her.

Barb went above and beyond as a wife and mother. She prioritized her husband and children and always held them to the highest regard (and standard). She created a warm and welcoming home for them and always made sure to decorate for whatever the next holiday was. Barb always ensured their bellies were full of tasty home-cooked meals and desserts like her made-from-scratch meatloaf and seven-layer cookie bars.

She loved to brag about her kids' accomplishments. From life-changing events like awards, college scholarships, marriage, and grandkids to even the small, like a free Burger King kids' meal for perfect attendance, Barb wanted the world to know her kids were better than yours.

Barb was the perfect number-one fan. She split her time between baseball, softball, and football fields year-round to make sure everyone knew which number her kids were. Wearing a "Santoro's Mom" shirt or one of her kids' "borrowed" jerseys, she'd always find a way to tell us where she was sitting in the stands. Barb's presence at her kids' sporting events was guaranteed.

As a talented musician, Barb brought music with her everywhere. Singing and playing tunes like "Down by the Bay" at every family function was a regular thing for her, often finding a piano or bringing her famed 12-string guitar. Even at work, Barb found a way to incorporate music into whatever she was doing. She played show tunes and old commercial jingles at the nursing homes to her elderly patients. She also led the Visitation BVM youth group choir, where she created a space for young musicians to learn music for free. And you can't forget her tear-filled renditions of the Ave Maria or National Anthem that gave everyone goosebumps.

Everyone around her could feel Barb's compassion because she cared so deeply for the people she worked for and with. From the elderly nursing home-bound folks, she entertained and provided smiles and laughter to the kids at the YMCA who had nowhere else to go. She provided a haven of enrichment and positivity. Barb was often selfless in her professional career. She never cared about titles or accolades and only cared about the impact she was making on the world.

Barbara’s loss will be felt by all around her as she was a bright light in her family and community.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Barbara’s family on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 8:30-10:15am at Visitation BVM Church (Upper Church) 196 N. Trooper Rd. Norristown, PA 19403. Her Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30am. Inurnment will be at St. Augustine Cemetery, King of Prussia, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd, Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.bacchifh.com.