Racine – Barbara Ann (nee: Matter) Christoff, age 79, passed away peacefully at the Woods of Caledonia on Tuesday, December 29, 2015.

Barbara was born in Racine on August 28, 1936 to the late Elmer and Gertrude (nee: Aller) Matter. She was a 1954 graduate of William Horlick High School. Short after, while working at Neisner's Dime Store in Downtown Racine, she met Donald N. Christoff. They were married on February 11, 1956 at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church.

Barb was a well-respected realtor in Racine for many years – having served as an office director at Wauwatosa Realty, Orth Realty and Charles Realty. She also taught real estate licensure classes at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn.

Barb was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and of the Racine Board of Realtors. Extremely crafty, she was an amazing floral designer (even operated a small flower business for several years, "L.C. Flowers" along with her good friend). Barb also enjoyed playing Bridge and creating ceramic figurines. Above all, she had an infectiously positive personality and was happiest while spending time with all of her family.

Surviving are her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Don; their children, Becky Christoff, Donna (John) Beatty and Dr. Lorrie (Dr. Mark) Wenzel; grandchildren, Austin, Kevin, Jeff & Bridget Beatty; Dr. Katy Wenzel, Therese (Brian) Aleinikoff, J.D.; Shelly (Phil) Reimer and Dr. Becca Wenzel; great-granddaughter, Emma Aleinikoff; brother, Dennis (Linda) Matter; sister, Marilyn (Neil) Loomis; brother-in-law, Jim (Linda) Christoff; sister-in-law, Margaret Matter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her brothers, Bernard & Thomas Matter; and by Don's parents, Nick and Violet (nee: Povkovich) Christoff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 12:30 pm in Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday, (TODAY) from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and at church on Monday from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the incredible staff at Woods of Caledonia, formerly known as Elizabeth Residence, for the years of compassionate care and support; and to Seasons Hospice for the end-of-life care given in Barb's time of need. May God bless all of you!