Barbara Ann (McGowan) Philbrick, 78, of Natick, a longtime Natick High School teacher, died peacefully on December 21, 2012. She was the beloved wife of Julian W. Philbrick, Sr. (Jack) with whom she shared 54 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn, the daughter of the late Harold and L. Mary (Lane) McGowan, she was raised in Maine and earned her teaching degree from Husson College. Barbara and Jack settled in Natick in 1961, where Barbara became a much beloved teacher in the business department of Natick High until her retirement in 2000. She was a member of the Eastern Star, past worthy president of the Social Order of Beauceant, Colonial Craftsmen’s Club, Natick Women’s Club, and First Baptist Church of Natick.
Barbara was a true lover of music. She found great enjoyment in playing her piano and singing with various groups including the Golden Tones. Barbara was a strong, independent spirit, finding great happiness in her time at her cottage in Maine, kayaking, gardening and taking long walks. Above all else, Barbara cherished the role of wife, mother, and grandmother to her family.
In addition to Jack, Barbara is survived by 3 devoted children, Audrey Denison and her husband Bill of Westford, Amy Look and her husband Mark of Windham, ME, and Julian W. Philbrick, Jr. and his wife Libby Lytle of Pine, CO and 5 cherished grandchildren, Heather and Hannah Denison, Jason and Brianna Greene, and Miranda Look.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Barbara’s funeral service in the Chapel of the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) Natick on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 from 3-7 PM. There will be a gathering immediately following the burial at the Masonic Lodge, 24 Main St. Natick. Those wishing to remember Barbara may do so through memorial donations to Natick High School's Friends of the Arts, care of Natick High School, 15 West St. Natick, MA 01760. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.everettfuneral.com