Barbara A. Bishop, aged 80, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She was born in Lancaster, PA, to the late Elizabeth (Dorwart) and Harry D. Brown. Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Gary L. Bishop, with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her brother David T. Brown.

Barbara was an active member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Parish, where she found community and purpose. She taught religious education in the parish for nearly 50 years, and she worked as a substitute aide for St. Leo the Great school. She also found great joy in attending daily mass and weekly bible study. For many years Barbara volunteered in the kitchen for the annual parish festival, and more recently she staffed the bingo table for the church's family picnic. She was a regular participant in the church's 40 hours devotion.

Barbara was a 1961 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and attended Millersville State College. For almost 30 years, she worked as a paraeducator for Intermediate Unit 13 caring for children throughout Lancaster County who had significant disabilities. Often, they could not communicate verbally, but she learned how to connect with them. When her children were growing up, Barbara was also a regular volunteer at Rohrerstown Elementary School, most often making kids smile as a "lunch lady." Beyond her time in school buildings, she spent many hours working as a staff person for the Hempfield recCenter's summer program.

Barbara and Gary shared a deep love for the water and enjoyed cruising the Chesapeake Bay in "The Barbara Ann." She also loved the beach and always enjoyed her trips there with the "Beach Babes" and Pat and Deb.

Barbara was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan, and she enjoyed coaching from the comfort of her favorite chair – not missing many games that the "O's" were on TV. She also loved the thrill of "hitting" at a slot machine which usually meant a couple of dollars at a penny machine. When she wasn't watching baseball or counting her winnings, she was singing along to Frank Vali and all the doo wop groups hitting the American Music Theater stage.

Every mom/grandmother has a language of love, and Barbara's was food. She learned to be an excellent "cook" from her mom and Gary's grandmother. She had lots of specialties, but nothing topped her spaghetti sauce. She loved making/sharing this prized treat, and all who tasted it will surely miss it.

Barbara lived a full life with many blessings. She was a consummate storyteller, she never missed sending a card to whoever was on her list, and she couldn't wait to put together holiday gift bags for the children in her life. Above all things, she loved her family with all her heart. She absolutely cherished the time and conversations with her children and grandchildren. Where her children and grandchildren were, that's where she wanted to be. She lived for attending or streaming their school presentations, games, concerts, shows, softball games, swim and cross country meets – whatever activities they were doing. Barbara's grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She was so proud of them, and there isn't anything she would not have done for them.

Barbara is survived by her children: Scott A. Bishop, husband of Ellen, of Landisville, and Suzanne E. Woody, wife of Jason of Riverside, CT.; grandchildren: Lucy and Catherine Bishop of Landisville, PA, Sam L. and George D. Woody of Riverside, CT; siblings: Janice Brown Sangrey of Lititz, Diane Brown Little, wife of Michael, of London, AK, and sister-in-law Deborah Hilt Brown, of Lancaster, PA as well as many cousins, nieces, and great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly.

A Visitation will take place from 9:45-11 AM, followed by The Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM with The Rev. Peter I. Hahn as Celebrant, on Friday, November 3, 2023 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Leo the Great Instructional Support-Cupertino Classroom in Barbara's memory.

Barbara A. Bishop's faith, dedication to education, and her passion for life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those she touched.