Barbara Ann DeLalla

Barbara was born in Bethesda, Maryland, on November 23, 1944, the daughter of Thomas and Anna (Atwell) Starkloff. She grew up with a strong sense of family and resilience—qualities that would shape the way she lived her life and the love she gave so freely to others.

As a young woman, Barbara met the love of her life, Victor DeLalla, in high school. Though life took them on separate paths for a time—Victor joined the military and relocated to Florida—their story was far from over. Fate brought them back together, and they rekindled a love that would grow into a beautiful marriage spanning more than 45 years, filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Barbara lived her life guided by what her family lovingly calls her “5 L’s”: laugh, love, live, learn, and legacy. She had a joyful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor, always ready with a smile or a story that could brighten anyone’s day. She embraced life fully, finding happiness in both the big milestones and the quiet, everyday moments. Barbara believed in always learning—through experience, through people, and through life’s challenges—and she passed that wisdom on to those around her. Above all, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and love that will continue to live on through her family.