Barbara Ann Koranda, 84, of Middleburg, Florida, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Barbara was born on August 22, 1942, in Clinton, Iowa, to Gerald and Eleanor McGrath. After marrying James Koranda, she left Iowa with James for his first duty station with the U.S. Navy. Their journey eventually brought them to Florida, where James's parents, Gill and Glatha Koranda, had also made their home. Barbara and James settled in the nearby area and raised their five children, Jeff, Jack, Janelle, Jay, and Jennifer.

Barbara was a caring and nurturing mother who worked hard for her family. There was little she wouldn't do for the people she loved. She celebrated her family's accomplishments, took great pride in the people they became, and treasured something special about each of her children and grandchildren.

Travel was also an important part of Barbara's life. Summers often meant taking to the road with James in his semi-truck and traveling throughout the United States, making memories along the way. Barbara even enjoyed driving a truck herself, and for a time, she and James worked together as an owner-operator team. Her love of travel continued throughout her life, with later family trips taking her across much of Florida, along the East Coast, to Canada and California, and many places in between. For Barbara, some of the best parts of traveling were the experiences and memories shared with family along the way.

Barbara cherished any opportunity to have her family together. It didn't matter where they were or what the occasion was. What mattered most was simply being together, sharing time, conversation, and laughter, and making memories with the people she loved.

She was a proud grandmother to Anthony, Justin, Johnathan, Jan, Jason, Christy, Nicholas, and Noah, as well as several great-grandchildren. Each held a special place in her heart. She shared a particularly close bond with her grandson Anthony, who was a constant presence in her life and with whom she shared many everyday moments and memories. She loved watching her family continue to grow through the generations.

Barbara built a career with Clay County District Schools, where she worked as an administrator in the Transportation Department before retiring. She also gave 10 years of her time as a volunteer in the emergency room at St. Vincent's Hospital, another way she served and cared for her community.

She later began another chapter of service with the Clay County Sheriff's Office as a school crossing guard, proudly serving the Oakleaf community for 15 years. Her work there became much more than a job. Barbara valued the many relationships she formed over the years, both within the Sheriff's Office and with the school staff, parents, and children she saw each day. She often spoke fondly of the people she came to know and was proud to be part of the Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Oakleaf community.

Barbara was quiet by nature and had a deeply caring heart. She enjoyed laughter and the funny moments shared with those closest to her. In quieter moments, she enjoyed reading, watching old shows, and working on logic and crossword puzzles. She especially enjoyed the challenge of having something interesting or a mystery to figure out.

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her hardworking and independent nature, and the genuine care she showed to others. Her quiet strength, warm heart, and the many memories she created with those she loved will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Eleanor McGrath, and her husband, James Koranda. She is survived by her children, Jeff, Jack, Janelle, Jay, and Jennifer; her grandchildren, Anthony, Justin, Johnathan, Jan, Jason, Christy, Nicholas, and Noah; several great-grandchildren; and extended family and loved ones.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Barbara's life and the memories she leaves behind.