Barbara Ann Koltos

Born in Philadelphia on February 16, 1944, to Nicholas and Johanna Semon, Barbara graduated from Marywood University and later earned her master’s in education from the State University of New York. She devoted more than 40 years of her life to teaching, sharing her passion for art and creativity with generations of students. Teaching brought her tremendous joy, as did sharing her creativity, curiosity, and love of new experiences with her grandchildren.

Art was a lifelong passion. Barbara found great happiness in creating, and her artistic spirit extended far beyond her own work. She saw beauty everywhere and brought imagination, color, and enthusiasm to the lives of those around her.

Barbara also had an extraordinary love of travel and adventure. Her curiosity about the world took her from the pyramids of Egypt to the Iguazu Falls in Brazil and throughout much of Europe, as well as many other destinations. She treasured experiencing different cultures, art, people, and traditions and returned from her travels with wonderful stories and memories to share.

Barbara believed deeply in giving back to her community. She was a longtime member and past President of the Daughters of Penelope, Helle Chapter 283, where she formed lasting friendships and devoted her time to supporting others. Her generosity extended to many local causes, including the Ukrainian craft sales at Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church.

Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Epaminondas Philip Koltos, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. Above all, she was a wonderful wife and deeply devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was at the center of her life, and the love, encouragement, and strength she gave so freely helped shape the people they became.

Barbara’s legacy lives on through her children, Antoinette Webb (Tom), Melissa Koltos, Penelope Koltos, and Cynthia Francis; her grandchildren, Alex, Demetri, and Niko; and her siblings, Judy Semon Dubas, Nick Semon, Joe Semon, and John Semon, along with their families. She was preceded in death by her sister, Suzanne Semon Wynder, and her brother, David Semon, and is lovingly remembered by their families as well. She also leaves behind her beloved white Westie, Richard, her faithful companion who brought her tremendous joy and was rarely far from her side.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, October 12, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church, Virginia.

A viewing will take place on Tuesday, October 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Jessup, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041, or online at www.saint-katherines.org or the American Heart Association, www.heart.com.

Barbara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, former students, and all those who are fortunate enough to have known her. Her creativity, adventurous spirit, generosity, and unmistakable enthusiasm for life will remain with them always.