Harriet L. KochAge: 71 • StauntonHarriet Lois (Lachman) Koch, 71, wife of Richard Koch, of 1024 Warwick Drive, Staunton, passed away Tuesday morning, November 29, 2016 at her residence.Harriet was born on December 21, 1944, in University City, MO, a daughter of Etta (Budnitsky) and Chester Lachman.Harriet was a graduate of the Missouri School for the Deaf and attended Gallaudet College where she met the love of her life, Richard.  She enjoyed a career with The Daily News Leader for 31 years before her retirement in 2002.  Harriet was extremely proud of her Deaf heritage and found much delight in sharing her deaf pride with each and every person.  She enjoyed spending time volunteering at the VSD History Museum, along with planning and fundraising for various class reunions and events for the deaf community.  She enjoyed crafting, sewing, playing bridge with her friends and was known to be quite competitive when playing games.  The things she loved most in life were travelling with her husband and spending time with her family, all of whom were her pride and joy.  Of all of her roles in life, the role of "Meemaw" was by far her favorite.  She became Meemaw not only to her granddaughters, but to many family friends and children along the way.  Most notable of Harriet was her friendly smile, infectious laughter, kind heart and sense of humor.  She was a true angel here on earth and was a friend to all who met her.Harriet was preceded in death by her parents.Surviving in addition to her husband of 49 years is a son, James Koch of Staunton, formerly of St. Paul, MN; a daughter, Alisa Brooks and her husband Kevin of Staunton; sister, Sharon Kerr, of Aurora, CO; niece, Vicki Kerr and nephew, Rick Kerr, and their families of Colorado; and two granddaughters, Jordan and Courtney Brooks of Staunton.The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Saturday, December 3, 2016 in the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory and other times at the residence.  There will be a private memorial service for the family.It is suggested that those wishing to make memorial contributions should do so to the Virginia School for the Deaf History Museum, c/o VSDB, P.O. Box 2069, Staunton, VA 24402.The family would like to thank Augusta Health Cancer Center and Hospice of the Shenandoah for the excellent care provided in the months and weeks prior to her passing.   Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.