Barbara Boren

Barbara Boren (née Barbara Gilbert), born June 3, 1950, of Plano, Texas, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance, leadership, and faith.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, she crafted her ability to adapt to changes quickly and demonstrate quick resilience as her family moved often for her father's promotions.

From an early age, Barbara's extraordinary gift for music set her apart. She graduated from the University of North Texas, where she honed her mastery of the piano. As a pianist, she was admired not only for her technical precision, but for the emotional depth she drew from every note. Her beautiful, strong hands carried both power and gentleness, instinctively knowing when each was called for.

Barbara's accomplishments extended far beyond her art. She served as CEO of the Lifesavers Foundation from 2004 until her retirement in 2022, leading with intelligence and an unwavering commitment to impact. Under her leadership, the foundation flourished, expanding its reach and strengthening communities. She approached her work with both strategic rigor and compassionate resolve, earning respect for her vision and integrity.

While her professional achievements were considerable, those closest to Barbara cherished the personal gifts she gave so freely. She was a loving daughter, a devoted sister, a patient and caring stepmother, and a loyal friend. She loved fiercely-celebrating successes and standing steady through difficult seasons. Her love was active and intentional, expressed in long conversations, shared laughter, and her unwavering presence.

Barbara possessed an infectious laugh. Her wicked sense of humor-sharp, clever, and impeccably timed-kept family and friends on their toes. She moved effortlessly between the elegance of the concert hall and the warmth of the dinner table, equally at home delivering a flawless Chopin passage or a perfectly barbed punchline.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James E. "Jim" Gilbert and Hortence "Mickey" Gilbert, and her sister, Joan. She is survived by her sister, Beverlea; her cousins, Carol Patton and family, Binnie Bauml and family, and Michelle Dycus; her stepchildren, Margaret Neubauer, Bryant Boren, and Laura Culp; her grandchildren, James, John, & Therese Neubauer, Bonnie Culp, Kiley and Viole Boren; and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers.

A service celebrating Barbara's life and extraordinary legacy will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home located at 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The funeral service will also be livestreamed at the folwing link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/barbara-boren-nee-barbara-gilbert.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lifesavers Foundation or the charity of their choice.

Barbara lived with strength, grace, humor, and steadfast faith. Her music was a gift, her leadership a calling, and her love a constant. Though her hands are now at rest, the beauty she created and the lives she shaped will carry her legacy forward.