Barbara Jean Matola Gribbin

Barbara Jean Matola Gribbin, Barbie, 79, of Hilo, Hawai i, and formerly of Bordentown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in Kea au on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Barbara was a devoted educator, artist, wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of faith whose life was defined by creativity, kindness, and service to others. She spent her entire professional life as an elementary school teacher, nurturing generations of students with patience and warmth at St. Mary School in Bordentown, NJ, and Kamehameha School in Hilo, Hawaii. Her love of learning and dedication to children left a lasting impression on the many young lives she guided. A founding parishioner of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Honomu, Barbara's faith was central to her life and community. She was deeply committed to the growth of the parish and to the friendships and fellowship she found there. Barbara was also a prolific fine artist. Through painting and other creative works, she expressed a lifelong passion for beauty, nature, and imagination. Her art brought joy to family and friends and reflected the thoughtful and vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life. During her early career, for many years, she taught tap dance classes. She was a graduate of Brenau University in Georgia. She was the beloved widow of Richard S. Gribbin, who passed away in Hilo on January 15, 2024. She will be remembered for her grace, quiet strength, and deep love for her family. Barbara cherished time with her daughters and grandsons, who brought her immense pride and happiness. She is survived by her daughters, Melanie Nicole Gribbin and Mary Alexandria Gribbin; her grandsons, Thompson Luke Feegel, Miles Kane Feegel, and Charles Frances Feegel; her sister, Linda Matola Brajer, brother-in-law, Stanley Brajer, Jr. and her niece, Lauren Elizabeth Brajer and nephew, Stanley Charles Brajer; as well as her brother-in-law, Retired Colonel Jon F. Gribbin. Friends may call on Monday, March 23, 2026 for a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Honomu. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, where a funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Alae Cemetery. Barbara's family is deeply grateful for the love and support of friends and caregivers, especially Erin and Josh Gale, and the hospice nurses at Hawai'i Care Choices, who helped care for her and bring comfort in her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be made to the Hawai i chapter of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (https://www.alz.org/hawaii) or to Holy Ascension Orthodox Church (HolyAscensionHilo.com), Honomu.