Barbara McGee Santora

Barbara McGee Santora "Bobbie", born August 31, 1924 in Fresno California, peacefully passed away on February 20, 2021. While her early years were spent in St Petersburg, it was in Gainesville where Barbara would meet and marry the man of her dreams, Judge John E. Santora Jr., although I’m sure she would argue that 45+ years with “Mr. Wonderful” wasn’t all candy canes & roses. Jacksonville & Atlantic Beach is where Barbara would ultimately raise a family, and enjoy an extraordinary social network of friends that she somehow managed to outlive because she “never smoked a cigarette”. She absolutely loved to entertain with weekends filled with family, friends, football, and her legendary fried chicken. Barbara loved beautiful trees, sunshine & sports, with a special passion for tennis and golf where she excelled as a founding member of Selva Marina Country Club. She was a dedicated volunteer during the early days of the Greater Jacksonville Open (GJO), the TPC at Sawgrass, and especially enjoyed her time working for Arnold Palmer Course Design. Truly an amazing lady, Barbara was a tower of strength and persevered through unimaginable adversity in her life, and deep into the 4th quarter, courageously handled the isolation and loneliness of a devastating COVID lockdown. Her spirit, personality, and zest for life will forever be an imprint on those who knew her.

Barbara is pre-deceased by her brother Jim McGee, husband Judge John E. Santora Jr., and two sons Mark McGee and Gary Powell. Survivors include son John Bradley, daughter in-law Tammy, and four grandchildren; Marcus, Darby, Shane and Jackson. Heartfelt thanks go out to the many caregivers who compassionately took care of Barbara during her final years. She will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery under majestic oak trees and brilliant sunshine.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171. Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.