Barbara Anne (Gillen) Brown, age 77, of Brookville, PA, passed away with her husband by her side on Sunday, December 11, 2016, while in the comfort of her room at the McKinley Health Center in Brookville, PA.
She was born on May 27, 1939, to the late Robert R. and Mary (Carr) Gillen, in Oil City, PA.
Barbara graduated with the class of 1957 from the Oil City High School. Just a short while after on April 17, 1959 she married Charles Edward Brown in Cumberland, MD. For over 57 years, they worked side by side to raise their family and contributed immensely to the people of the communities in which they lived.
She attended Slippery Rock College and in 1961 graduated with her Bachelor’s of English and Social Studies. Right out of college, she worked as an English teacher for the Franklin Junior/Senior High School. Five years later her family moved to Pittsburgh. There she began working at the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind. She transitioned from the Guild into teaching children with disabilities through various grant programs.
In 1971, Charles and Barbara moved to Brookville, PA, where she taught as a substitute teacher for two years in various school districts. Her final job change happened in 1973 when she took a position with the Office of Blindness and Vision Services as a home teacher for the Blind. She eventually retired in 1998. Barbara filled many different tasks and overcame adversity in service to those for whom she provided care.
She received several awards during her working career for her outstanding performances.
Barbara was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and played the piano. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, several card clubs, and Alpha Delta Kappa (a teacher’s sorority).
She had many musical talents which she constantly worked to improve. She played a variety of instruments, excelling at the piano. Animals, especially her dogs, brought her great joy.
Charles and Barbara traveled many places together including all of the internecine United States and several foreign countries.
She was an intellectual who enjoyed reading, discussing, and debating a wide variety of topics. Many things can be written about Barbara but suffice it to say that she was a loving, generous, and compassionate person.
More than anything else, she was a dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Her family was her pride and joy.
In addition to her husband, Charles, Barbara is survived by one daughter; Kim (Dennis) Bartley; two sisters; Jeanne (James) Swistock, Mary Gillen; one brother; Robert (Debbie) Gillen; three granddaughters; Erin (Richard) Irvin, Caitlin Bartley, Skyler Bartley, one grandson; Samuel (Katelyn) Bartley; three great-granddaughters; Zoey Bartley, Claire Irvine, Charlotte Irvin, and one great-grandson; Jacob Irvin.
In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by one daughter, Seana Brown, and one son, Patrick Brown.
A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, ltd, of Brookville, PA.
Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com
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