Barbara Lee "Bobbie" Danko

Barbara Lee “Bobbie “Danko, 91, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born February 9, 1935, in Baltimore City, MD, a daughter of the late James Anton and Mary Agnes Lansinger Danko.

Bobbie attended Elementary school at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Ft. Monroe, VA. When the family returned to Baltimore, she attended Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, MD. She married Robert F. Wallace and had five children with him. To help care for them, she was a real estate agent in Baltimore while pursuing an education at the local college in accounting, computer studies and mechanical drawing. She became an accountant for Harbor Towing Co., then Ramsey Scarlett Shipping before accepting a position as Accounting Manager of Barber Steamship Lines in the World Trade Center on the Baltimore Harbor. Her work near the waterfront complemented her lifelong enjoyment of the sea and the majestic Tall Ships that captured her interest.

In 1992, Bobbie went to stay with her parents in Kilmarnock, VA to care for them during her father’s illness. Three years later, she returned to Baltimore, sold her Condo and moved with her daughter Barbara Jeanne to live with Barbara’s son, Robert. The three of them made plans to move to Hoopers Island, MD and renovate an old house they shared.

At the very center of Bobbie’s life was her strong and unwavering Catholic faith. Her relationship with God was not simply something she spoke about—it was something she lived. Attending Mass each Sunday was an important part of her life, and her faith remained a constant source of strength, guidance, and comfort throughout the years. As a child living in Buckroe Beach, VA, Bobbie attended school and Masses at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Wherever she lived, she found refuge in the Catholic Church. Her Church on Hoopers Island Road, also St. Mary Star of the Sea, held a special place in her heart. There, she was a member of the Finance Council, the Pastoral Care Committee, the St. Mary Cemetery Committee and was Treasurer of the Star of the Sea Golden Hill Foundation. She worked for two years as Parish Secretary for Rev. Bruce Byrolly. But circumstances led her to Cambridge, Maryland and SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Easton, where she joined the choir. While living in Salem, WV, Barbara was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Barbara also possessed a wonderful sense of adventure and a genuine enthusiasm for life. She was never one to simply sit on the sidelines. If her family suggested somewhere to go, something to see, or a new experience to try, Barbara was usually ready to join in. Whether it was taking a road trip, dining out, golfing, boating, attending auto racing, drawing, oil painting, enjoying the outdoors, observing wildlife or simply setting off to see where the day might lead, she embraced the opportunity to make another memory.

She loved being active and found great happiness working outside, landscaping, and watching things grow, especially her children. Barbara also had an eye for making things beautiful and enjoyed decorating. She appreciated seeing an idea come together and was never afraid to take on another project.

Yet, of all the places Barbara traveled and all the adventures she experienced; the greatest joy of her life was found in the people she loved. Family time and family activities meant everything to her. Barbara treasured being included in their lives and was always ready for the next gathering, outing, road trip, project, or adventure. Simply being together, created countless memories that her family will forever hold close.

Barbara lived her 91 years with faith in her heart, curiosity about the world around her, and a spirit that remained ready for whatever adventure might come next. Her family takes comfort in knowing that the Catholic faith that guided her throughout her earthly journey now carries with it the promise of eternal life and a joyful reunion with those who went before her.

Barbara is survived by her four children, Barbara Wallace of Salem, Debbie Naill of Mount Airy, MD, Robert Wallace and wife Robin of Sedalia, and Raymond Wallace and wife Nancy of Orange Beach, AL; nine grandchildren, John Smith and wife Megan, Amanda Naill, David Naill and Edgar, Ray Wallace, Ryan Wallace and wife Crystal, Heather Bonsal, Holly Bonsal and Ashliegh Davis and husband Corey, and Melisssa Martin; ten great-grandchildren, Dylan, Ronnie, Robert, Ryder, Harley, Grace, Collin, Sawyer, Blake and Camden; two sisters, June Danko Reiter of Timonium, MD, and Hillary Johnson and husband Donnie of Richmond, VA; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Wallace Waesche; and one sister, Laura “Ginger” Danko Uhler.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salem WV on Thursday, September 10 at 1 pm with Rev. Lusius Mite presiding. A graveside service will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery on 917 Hoopers Island Road in Golden Hill, MD, on Friday, October 16 at noon, with Rev. Michael Angeloni presiding. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.davisfuneralhomesalemwv.com. Davis Funeral Home Salem is honored to serve the Danko Wallace family. Also at www.newcombcollins.com.