Barbara Ann Stachow

Barbara Ann Stachow, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on August 24, 1936, in Wilmington, Delaware, Barbara was a lifelong resident of the state, cherished for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family.

She was the daughter of Stanley Wisniewski and Evelyn Grabawski. Barbara graduated from Wilmington High School, and after completing her education, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, becoming a homemaker to her husband, Edward J. Stachow, and their two children. Barbara and Edward shared a beautiful marriage that lasted 64 years until his passing, a bond that defined her life and brought her immense joy.

Barbara’s greatest legacy is her family, which she cherished above all else. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and David Fogarty of Newark, DE, and her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Dawn Stachow of Lewes, DE. Barbara took great pride in her role as a grandmother to her five grandchildren: Natalie Fogarty, Savannah Magpayo (Nathan Magpayo), Emily Stachow, Brendan Fogarty, and Luke Stachow. The joy of her life was amplified with the arrival of her great-grandson, Maverick Magpayo.

She was known for her ability to bring everyone together around the dinner table, where she demonstrated true culinary mastery creating fun and unforgettable delicious family meals, not just on holidays, but almost every day. Barbara spent a lifetime collecting cookbooks and recipes.  She also enjoyed everything about the Delaware beaches including boating in the Indian River Bay and cooking all types of seafood. Barbara’s personal specialty dishes were related to Maryland blue crabs which everyone in the family so enjoyed.  She was passionate about her pets including several Yorkshire terriers, a west highland white terrier and her late in life best friend, a chihuahua named Ava. During moments of relaxation, Barbara loved detective and thriller TV series.   She enjoyed playing cards and board-games with her family and made it a priority to attend her children and grandchildren's activities whenever she was able, supporting them with the pride of a loving matriarch.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 from 10AM-11AM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808. A funeral service will begin at 11AM. Entombment to follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Barbara’s name to The First State Animal Center and SPCA, https://fsac-spca.org/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann Stachow, please visit our floral store.