Barbara Ann Gibson

Barbara Ann (Pach) Gibson, 69, of Seminole, Florida, passed away on June 14, 2026. Born on July 16, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Richard F. Pach Sr. and Jeanette (McKee) Pach.

Barbara attended St. Maurice Grammar School in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago before graduating from Kelly High School in 1974. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Education and English from Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois, completing her degree in 1978 — all while working two to three part-time jobs throughout her studies. A highlight of her college years was a semester abroad in London during her senior year, a program offered through Rosary College.

Her love of libraries began early. During high school, Barbara worked at the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library starting at age 16 in 1972. Upon graduation from college, she joined the Chicago Public Library full time from 1978 to 1980. In 1980, she transitioned to a five-year career as a third-grade elementary teacher at St. Maurice Parish School, where she inspired a generation of young learners. She was then offered the position of Children's Librarian at the Scottsdale branch of the Chicago Public Library, a role she held from 1985 to 1999, touching countless young lives through her passion for books and storytelling.

During these years, Barbara balanced her professional dedication with the joys of raising her son, Matthew, and pursuing advanced education. She earned her Master of Library Science from Rosary College in 1991 — a credential that reflected her lifelong commitment to providing the best possible learning environments for her students.

From 1999 to 2002, Barbara served as a librarian at two Chicago Public Schools grammar schools before being named Head Librarian at Curie Metropolitan High School, one of the largest high schools in Illinois. Her energy, creativity, and innovative teaching style then led to a singular professional achievement: in 2009, she was selected to establish and lead the library at the newly constructed George Westinghouse College Prep High School, a $200 million prototype institution designed around rigorous college-preparatory and career programs. Barbara retired in 2011 after more than 32 years of service as a storyteller, teacher, crafter, and tireless champion of literacy and lifelong learning.

Beyond her professional life, Barbara's warmth and compassion extended into her community in deeply meaningful ways. She served as a mentor with the Imerman Angels organization, offering courage, hope, and companionship to more than 20 women fighting ovarian cancer. She and her husband Jim also volunteered with St. Maurice Summer Camp, guiding children in grades three through eight through enriching experiences in nature.

For 15 years, Barbara and Jim made an annual pilgrimage to the National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee — a tradition that combined the joy of a cherished vacation with the gift of oral tradition she so loved to share with family and students alike. She was a devoted crafter, card maker, and photographer, with a deep appreciation for landscapes and the beauty of God's creatures.

Barbara married James Gibson Jr. on May 18, 1980, in Chicago, Illinois. They shared 46 wonderful years of marriage together. Her grandsons, Davis and Henry, were her greatest pride and joy.

Barbara Gibson will be remembered for her radiant personality, quick humor, sharp intellect, and her boundless devotion to family, students, and community. She gave so much of herself to so many — and she is deeply, deeply loved.

Barbara is survived by her husband, James Gibson; her son, Matthew Gibson; her daughter-in-law, Tara (Schattgen) Gibson; her grandsons, Davis Gibson and Henry Gibson; her sister, Joanne (Pach) Vent and her partner, Steve Schultheis; her brother, Richard F. Pach Jr. and his spouse, Lisa Invergo; and her brother, Michael Pach. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and by the tens of thousands of students whose lives she shaped and cherished throughout her remarkable career.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Richard F. Pach Sr., and her mother, Jeanette (McKee) Pach.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 19th, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 SW Highway, Palos Hills, IL 60465. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20th, at 9:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, IL 60465. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 7201 Archer Rd., Justice, IL 60458.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Imerman Angels in Barbara's memory. Donations may be made at imermanangels.org.

A life measured not in years, but in the love of learning she passed on to every life she touched.