Honoring Barbara Diane Gorra

January 22, 1938 - February 6, 2024

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Barbara Diane Gorra made her transition peacefully on February 6th 2024.    Barbara was born January 22, 1938 to Ruth and Joseph Gorra In AshFork Arizona.    Growing up, she was active in her high school softball and cheerleading teams, and enjoyed reading her favorite Wonder Woman comic books. Barbara was initially born without a middle name, and her parents gave her the option to choose one.   She chose Diane, in tribute to Diana Prince, the secret identity of her heroine Wonder Woman!

After a trip out to Washington DC when she was 14, she fell in love with politics.   She moved out to DC to work for Senator Barry Goldwater in 1959, and was part of his presidential campaign in 1964.   During this time she also represented Arizona as the Cherry Blossom Princess at the annual Cherry Blossom festival.   These were some of her fondest memories of her life.   She continued working as a Congressional aide in DC until 1970.   She married Gene Stockman in 1966 (m. 1966-1978).  They settled in Arlington, Virginia, where she gave birth to daughter Margo in 1971 and son Marcus in 1973.

She loved dogs and always had one in the house for the family to enjoy, from ‘Strawberry’ the Chihuahua, to ‘Puppy’ the Schnauzer, to ‘Sable’ the Chow Chow, to ‘Wiggy’ the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.   She also indulged her children’s desires to experiment with owning and caring for other pets, such as Bunnies, Parakeets, Gerbils and a Snake (just once!).    She loved planting flowers around her house, from azaleas lining the walkway, to crocuses, to daffodils, to tulips, and everyone enjoyed seeing them bloom in the spring.     

Barbara was also a pioneer in advocating for Women’s rights and equality in the 1970’s. She maintained a strong focus on independent thinking and encouraged her children to do the same.   She completed her degree in Independent Studies at George Mason University.   She was an avid reader of philosophy, politics, and psychology. 

After living in the same house in Arlington for 40 years, she moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2012 to be closer to her son and family, including grandchildren, Cole and Chase.   She loved spending time with them and being involved in their lives until she once again returned to Virginia in 2021 and spent the last few years close to her daughter.

Barbara is preceded in death by her siblings, Donald Gorra,  Jess Rosas, and Rosalie Carillo.   She is survived by daughter Margo Gorra-Stockman (husband George Roman) and son Marc Stockman (wife Jill Stockman) and grandchildren Cole and Chase Stockman.    The family wishes to also extend special thanks to the care team at Elance at West End and the hospice team at Vitas that cared for her before her transition.

Virtual Celebration Of Life For Barbara Gorra

Recorded Saturday, May 11, 2024

Barbara’s family invites you to view the virtual celebration service & reception of life to honor her life and legacy.

Slideshow

Guest Book

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RAINELLE MISHOE
6 months ago

Barbara was one of my favorite clients! She was vivacious, smart and a trailblazer in every way! So sorry to see she passed!

Reid Southern
9 months ago

Escorted her to the Cherry Blossom Ball.
Introduced her to my roommate Gene Stockman. Good memories from the early 60’s in Washington D.C.

Walt Rosas
10 months ago

Walt Rosas

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