Barbara M. Koch's Obituary
Barbara Koch (nee Brandon) was born in Portland, OR. For most of her life, she lived on Lake Steilacoom in Lakewood, WA, raising her family and raising consciousness.
Barbara was an incredible woman who was before her time. She started teaching yoga and meditation in the ’50s. She enjoyed traveling the world, sharing her heart full of love to all, and welcoming many friends and spiritual leaders of all faiths into the family home for fellowship and fun. She loved to water-ski, snow ski, play tennis, and socialize. She balanced a life of devotion with a life of enjoyment.
Barbara was co-minister of Tree of Life Unity Church in Lakewood during the late’80s. She and husband Dan led a decade-long study group, Fellowship for Spiritual Understanding, which promoted understanding and harmony among world religions. She was active in Partners in Prayer, Pierce County Young Life, and Radio for Peace International based in Costa Rica.
Barbara will be reunited with her beloved husband, Daniel H. Koch. They married on July 16, 1942, in Portland. She will also be joining her parents, Benjamin and Ethel Brandon, brother Ross, and sister June in spirit. She is survived by her brother Ben, children Dan (Ann) and Kathy, grandchildren Laelle (Paul), Heather, and Lisha, great-grandchildren Ari and Kira, and nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of Barbara’s exceptional life on March 7, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at Tacoma Country and Golf Club, Lakewood, WA. Her light and joy will live in our hearts forever.
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