Barbara G. Herbert

1948 - 2026

Barbara G. Herbert

May 24, 1948 - February 12, 2026

It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara G. Herbert on February 12, 2026.

Barbara was born on May 24, 1948, to James and Mary Gimourginas in New York City. Barbara spent her early childhood on the Lower East Side of NYC. She spent many days playing across the street from her home in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. From a young age, Barbara was surrounded by the energy and creativity of the city she loved. She attended P.S. 42 on Hester Street through fifth grade before moving to Brooklyn in 1960. One of her fondest childhood memories was playing in her aunt's bridal shop, Billie's Bridal, on Grand Street-a place filled with beauty and imagination that reflected Barbara's own artistic spirit.

Barbara graduated from Lafayette High School in 1966, where her natural talent for art truly began to shine. She worked closely with the art department, designing stage sets for the drama program, and served as an illustrator for the school yearbook. Her teachers recognized her exceptional promise and encouraged her creative pursuits, leading to a full scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

At FIT, Barbara majored in textile design and color theory. After graduation, she began a successful career in the textile industry, working as a designer for several New York City firms, including the menswear division of Milliken, Inc. Her eye for color, pattern, and detail was matched by her dedication and professionalism.

Following college, Barbara moved into her first Manhattan apartment at 340 East 52nd Street - a home that came full circle 30 years later when her daughter Jennifer moved into the very same apartment, a coincidence that meant a great deal to her and brought her much joy.

Barbara married Joe Herbert in 1975, and together they built a life grounded in family. They were living in Westfield, New Jersey, when their daughter Jennifer was born in 1978. In 1981, Joe's work brought them to Fairfield, Connecticut, where they made their home for the next forty years. Barbara especially cherished summers on Nantucket, where she delighted in the simple pleasures of seaside living and time with those she loved.

More recently, Joe and Barbara returned to Richmond, Virginia, where Joe was born and raised, bringing their journey full circle once again.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph R. Herbert; her beloved daughter, Jennifer Herbert of Fairfield, Connecticut; and her two sisters, Marcie Gimourginas of Midlothian, Virginia, and Patri Ginas of Jensen Beach, Florida.

Barbara will be remembered for her wit, creative spirit, and deep devotion to her family. She had a remarkable eye for beauty, whether expressed through her professional designs or the way she made a house feel like home. A supportive wife, a caring mother, and a treasured sister, Barbara gave generously of herself. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the creativity she shared, and the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 27 Forsyth Street, New York, NY 10002, in memory of Barbara Gimourginas Herbert.

Bliley's Funeral Home