Barbara "Bobbie" Pace

In Loving Memory of Barbara "Bobbie" Pace (Costa)

September 10, 1935 – July 28, 2025

Barbara “Bobbie” Pace (Costa) passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2025, at the age of 89. A woman of deep love, steadfast faith, fierce resilience, and extraordinary talent, Bobbie lived a life that defied simple definitions. She was loving, loyal, passionate—and, at times, misunderstood. But to those who truly saw her, she was unforgettable.

Born in the small town of McGregor, Iowa, Bobbie moved to Colorado Springs at the age of 10, where she spent most of her childhood and young adult years. It was there, beneath the mountain skies, that her lifelong love of music and theater first took root. Bobbie had a voice that lit up local stages and left audiences breathless. She shined brightest in musicals, and her gift did not go unnoticed; she was scouted and encouraged to pursue a career on Broadway.

It was on one of those stages, during a performance in Colorado Springs, that life took an unexpected course. A young Army recruit named Joseph Costa, stationed nearby for boot camp, saw her perform—and never forgot her. Their love story began with music and spark, and before long, they married and moved to New York, where Broadway lights still beckoned. But life had other plans.

Shortly after arriving in New York, Bobbie became pregnant with the first of her seven daughters (Carol, JoAnn, Bobbi-Jo, Toni, Patty, Michelle, and Gina). Her dreams of the stage were lovingly set aside as she poured herself into the hard, unseen work of motherhood. Her home became her new theater—sometimes chaotic, but always full of life, passion, love and her own unmistakable style.

Bobbie was rich in the simple things that many overlook. She found deep peace in nature—the crisp air of the mountains, the quiet strength of trees, the grace of wild creatures. She had a lifelong affection for horses, drawn to their power, beauty, and gentle spirit. She was also an avid reader, constantly seeking knowledge, perspective, and truth. Her love of books was matched only by her deep and enduring faith.

Bobbie had an unshakable belief in God and in the promises of the Bible. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for most of her adult life, and remained steadfast in her faith until the very end. She not only studied the Bible deeply but lived its principles with sincerity and conviction. Even in her later years, she continued preaching the Bible truths she had learned and loved, sharing them with anyone willing to listen. Her hope in the resurrection and in God’s Kingdom gave her strength, clarity, and purpose through every chapter of her life.

Above all, Bobbie loved Jehovah God and her children. Her love could be fierce, but it was real and it was hers. She raised her daughters with fire and tenderness, teaching them resilience, creativity, and independence. While not always easy to understand, her devotion was unwavering, and her spirit runs strong in each of them.

She is survived by her daughters, her grandchildren, and many others who loved her deeply. Each carries a spark of her intensity, her wit, her silly humor, and her undeniable soul.

Bobbie’s life may not have followed the script she originally imagined, but she lived it with passion and authenticity. Her legacy lives on in the music, memories, and love she left behind.

A private memorial will be held with close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bobbie’s memory by donating to her local congregation or to Jehovahs Witnesses worldwide.

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Bobbie is survived by her daughters Carol Costa Marshall, JoAnn Peragallo, Toni Smith, Patricia Hoppe, Michelle Costa, Gina Guarente. In addition to her parents, Bobbie is preceded in death by Bobbi-Jo Foss, Robert Foss, Lenny Bruno, Stephen Smith.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. For those who wish, contributions in Bobbie’s memory may be made to any Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A tribute for Barbara can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.