Barbara Ann Podgorski

We sadly announce the sudden passing of Barbara Ann (Leach) Podgorski, 79 years old of West Chester, PA, who passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024 at home.

Born July 18, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA she was the daughter of the late Robert Harold Leach and the late Mae Etta (nee Heitz) Leach.

Barbara grew up in Lower Bucks County, PA graduating from Bishop Egan High School in 1962. Barbara (Bobbie) also attended and graduated from Rider College in New Jersey.  As Barbara’s French was flawless, two years were spent with the Peace Corps and another two years in Abidjan working on the Ivory Coast of Africa teaching English to the French students and local business people.

After returning to the US, Barbara worked briefly as a French and English teacher before becoming a homemaker and raising her family. In 1986, Barbara retuned to teaching for a time at Phillipsburg Catholic High School. Soon after, she began a new career working as a Caseworker at the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. Barbara spent 19 years with the Brain Injury association, and found she had a true passion for the work. Even after retirement, she kept in contact with many of the patients and their families, as they had developed strong bonds.

Growing up, Barbara was passionate about dance, especially ballet en pointe. But, she loved Elvis too and collected all his 45s and vinyl albums. Barbara spent many afternoons dancing on American Bandstand. She also loved to bike, especially her English racer that was gifted to her by her father. She also modeled locally and contended in the Miss Bucks County pageant in which she was runner up to the winner. Barbara had a lifelong love for the water and was a sun worshiper. During the Summer she would swim daily at the pool and she loved any chance she could get to go to the beach, especially Wildwood or St. Petersburg Beach, FL. She had a deep love for her grandchildren and was a lifelong animal lover. Barbara redefined what it meant to be a “Nana” attending as many sporting events, school concerts/plays, or family dinners as possible. Concession stand treats, ice cream parlors, and root beer floats at Nana’s house were highlights.  Annual Summer vacations at the Jersey Shore are full of loving memories, too numerous to count. Barbara loved the grandkids with all her heart; they were her pride and joy and what made her smile every day!

Barbara celebrated 47 years of marriage to, Jozef (Joe). Joe and Barbara settled in Harmony Township NJ, where they lived and raised their family for 43 years. After losing her husband, Barbara moved to West Chester, PA in 2021 to be closer to her grandchildren.

Barbara maintained a strong devotion to the Catholic Church throughout her life. While living in Harmony, NJ, she was a devoted member of St. Phillip and St. James Church in Phillipsburg, NJ, and later to SS. Peter & Paul Church in West Chester, PA.

She was predeceased in death by her husband, Jozef Edward Podgorski in 2018, and her brother Robert Harold Leach, Jr., in 1947. She is survived by her three children, Anne-Marie Dunn and her husband, James, of West Chester, PA; Victor Joseph Podgorski, of Charleston, SC and Marissa Kathryn Podgorski. She is also survived by her two beloved grandchildren, Matthew Joseph Dunn and Samantha Elizabeth Dunn, and her dog, Cooper.  There are also many cousins, nieces, nephews, her Godson, and friends (some lifelong) whom she absolutely cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation on Saturday May 25, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 1325 E. Boot Rd., West Chester, PA 19380, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

Interment will be Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:30 PM in St. Philip & St. James Cemetery, County Road 519 & US 22, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA; 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com