Obituary of Barbara Susan Koca

Barbara S. Koca, age 76, of Kimberling City, MO, and Shorewood, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025 at home in Shorewood, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on September 28, 1948, to parents, Robert and Vera (nee Lupac) Kutchan, in Chicago, IL. As a family, they relocated to Brookfield, IL, where she made and created memories with her lifelong best friend, Joanie McAvoy. She graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1966.

Barbara’s passion for singing began at an early age. She was a member of her high school chorus and continued as an active participant in Bolingbrook Community Chorus, Company B (of Bolingbrook), the Naperville Community Chorus, and Tri-Lakes Community Singers. She also served as the Librarian for the Bolingbrook Chorus and the Tri-Lakes Community Singers.

She spent most of her life caring for her family and homes. She also enjoyed part-time work for the Naperville Sun and the Isabel Bloom Store in downtown Naperville. She will be remembered for her attention to detail and love of music.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Raymond Koca; her loving daughters, Laura (Dane) Irelan and Sheryl (Glenn) Grabill; adoring grandchildren, Marissa and Megan Irelan, Nathan and Tyler Matoska, Alaina and Tyler Grabill; dear furry friend, Molly; sister, Janet (Hammett) Lilly; and sister in-law, Lenore Koca.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother in-law, George Koca.

Visitation for Barbara S. Koca will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Funeral Service and Interment will be held privately by the family.

Family requests no flowers and donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.