The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
August 8, 1931 - April 18, 2024
On April 18, 2024, Barbara Woodbury Gibbons, wife of Richard Tuttle Gibbons “Dick”, succumbed after her five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease in the presence of her family at her home in Middle Haddam.
Barbara was born in Salem, New Hampshire on August 8, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Captain Levi Woodbury and Marion Henderson Woodbury. Barbara spent her early years in Salem. Upon graduation from high school, Barbara enrolled in Oceanside, CA Junior College and completed a 2-year college course.
Many years later, in January 1969, Barbara and Dick met at a dinner party in Essex Connecticut. Following a quick courtship, Barbara and Dick were married in August 1969. Each brought a son from a previous marriage.
Barbara and Dick took up residence in Middle Haddam. Barbara joined the Middle Haddam Garden Club and became Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Middle Haddam Public Library. She later became a Member and Past President of the Literary Club. She was a good cook and enjoyed giving dinner parties to friends. She loved to play tennis and to travel. She and Dick visited the 7 continents of the world.
Along with her husband, Barbara is survived by her stepson, Richard Gibbons, and his wife, Heather Moss and her three grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her son, Frederick B. Van Brunt.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gibbons home, 115 Middle Haddam Road, Middle Haddam, CT 06456 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to the Middlesex County Historical Society, 151 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice.com.