Barbara Gilbert

Barbara Gilbert
Harwinton - Barbara Mary (Rowley) Gilbert, 88, of Harwinton, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025 at Keystone Assisted Living in Torrington. She was the wife of the late William L. Gilbert, Sr.
Barbara was born July 25, 1937 in Winchester, CT, the daughter of the late Nathan and Marion (Kittredge) Rowley. She had been a lifelong area resident until 2009 when she started spending her winters in Daytona Beach, FL. Barbara retired from Harwinton Consolidated School after working there for thirty years as the school secretary. She also served for many years as the President of the Region 10 school secretaries union. Barbara was a charter member of the Harwinton Garden club and enjoyed countless hours working in her yard. Barbara and her late husband William, enjoyed spending time at their summer cottage on Cape Cod. Barbara was a communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary church in Harwinton.
Barbara is survived by her children, Lorna Nedorostek and her husband Mark of Torrington, William Gilbert, Jr. and his partner Lydia Smith of Harwinton, Linda Goff of New Hartford, and Lisa Gilbert-Zambero and her husband David of Bethlehem. She leaves five grandchildren, Tammy Coury, Amy Pozzo Abreu, Steven Pozzo, Melissa Story, Cassandra Tanuis, and eight great-grandchildren, Maura, Addie, Eva, Landin, Addison, Ella, Everly and Blake. Barbara also leaves behind one sister, Betty Johnpiere of Perry, GA and two half-sisters, Karen Brown of Torrington and Lynn Bailey of New Hampshire plus several nieces and nephews. Barbara's beloved cat and companion, Indigo, will miss her greatly.
Besides her late husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Cynthia Gilbert and her three brothers, William Rowley, Thomas Rowley and James Rowley.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Keystone Assisted Living staff for taking such wonderful care of Barbara and making her feel at home. She truly enjoyed living there and made many friends during the four months she was there.
A private graveside service will be held in Colebrook at a future date. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, Torrington, is in care of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to Harwinton Ambulance Association, 166 Burlington Rd., Harwinton, CT 06791.
To offer an online condolence, please visit gleesonryanfh.com