Obituaries

Barbara A. Bishop, 80

October 24, 2023

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.

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Condolences to the Family

November 29, 2023

I was so sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. She was my cousin and on the morning that she passed, I was thinking about calling Barb to see if I could come and visit to find out more about our family history. This was before I knew she passed. When her brother Dave passed we talked about some of our history and said we would have to get together sometime to talk more. I have been watching my two year old granddaughter and just got up in that and never got the opportunity to meet. I had just tested positive for Covid the week she died and couldn’t come to pay my respects to the family. Please know that I miss you all and wish you the very best!
Teresa Yost

November 07, 2023

Dear Scott, Suzanne and Family
i was so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Although I haven’t been in touch snd not been in Lancaster for many years, I have been reminiscing about the great times when we all lived on Imperial Drive-and yes, I remember well your Mitger’s spaghetti sauce and her Christmas Care packages. Your Mom and Dad are in my memory “bank”. My condolences to your families.
Jane Parker

November 03, 2023

We were sad to learn of Barbara’s passing. We met her at Bible study and developed a lovely friendship. She walked her faith and was so kind to everyone she met. We will miss her.
Deborah and Steve Gavalchik

November 01, 2023

Scott, Suzanne, and family,
I wanted to reach out and send my condolences for the passing of your mother. She was such a dear soul. Your family embraced my young family as their own while we were neighbors over 30 years ago. I have so many fond memories of our time together. I will keep you and your families in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Marie

October 30, 2023

Gary & Family,
Sorry very sorry to hear of your loss. It has been many years but have thought of you often since my days at Penn Cast and Glass Doctor. Sending Prayers for All.
Susan (Sue) Lauver Beury

October 30, 2023

Scott, Ellen and girls, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Bishop.
It was only 6 weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting her for the first time. She and I spoke at the Parish Rectory and during our time together she spoke of her courtship with her late husband and Scott’s Father, Gary. It was so nice to see her light up about how they met, dated and how her Father provided guidance as to when they could Mary. Barbara was kind and she lit up when speaking of her husband. Her love for him was boundless. Upon learning of her passing, I was overjoyed for her unexpected reunion with him.
Please accept my family’s deepest condolonces for your loss. I am out of town on Friday and cannot attend her Mass, so I wanted you to know the impact your Mom, Mother-In-Law and Grandmother had on me with our only interaction.
I hope see has great seats for all the O’s games from now on!
Sincerely, Andy Olenik & Family

October 29, 2023

Dear Bishop Family,
Mrs. Bishop taught both my daughter’s in PSR and made many softball games more enjoyable by keeping us company on the sideline. She was an amazing woman whose love and kindness truly radiated and warmed those around her. Her passing is a loss to the entire community; i will keep you all in my thoughts, so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
The Franks

October 29, 2023

Barbara will be dearly missed! Thankful for her love, thoughtfulness and generosity (and Gary’s too) over the years! Such special cherished memories! Sending love, prayers and very deepest sympathies. BethAnn (Lorei) Swatzell and family

October 29, 2023

Dearest Scott, Suzanne and Families,It is with a broken heart that I convey my condolences to each of you. Your Mom and I shared absolutely delightful times, laughed at the silliest things and found ourselves dear friends for the best years of our lives. She was a magnificent hostess, with extraordinary attention to every detail. Praying that God’s comfort will be yours during this most painful time. Blessings and Love,
Gail Alexander

October 29, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss. I did not know Barbara or Gary well, but I do know they were ‘fixtures’ at the Hempfield Rec. They were always the most pleasant couple, especially when working out early on a Saturday morning! Their service to the community will not be forgotten. Stephanie Lavenberg

October 27, 2023

Scott, Suzanne and your families,
We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear, dear friend. Your written memorial speaks of Barbara exactly as we knew her. The many weekends along the Chesapeake Bay aboard The Barbara Ann with Barb and Gary are some of the best memories we will cherish. Just this past August, we had the best time at the beach, laughing as Barb tried teaching us a card game and we weren’t quite getting it. And of course enjoying her spaghetti sauce, the best we ever had.
Our deepest condolences to you all. We pray for the peace and comfort of our Heavenly Father to be with you. Pat & Deb Reynolds

Visitation: Friday, November 03, 2023; 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM; St. Leo the Great Catholic Church; 2427 Marietta Avenue; Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services: Friday, November 03, 2023; 11:00 AM; St. Leo the Great Catholic Church; 2427 Marietta Avenue; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >