Barbara Jean Thompson

Thompson, Barbara Jean (nee Gibbs) - beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, was born on September 15, 1943, in Elmira, NY and died on May 22, 2022 at the age of 78. She moved to Colorado with her family when she was 9 years old. She married the love of her life, Joe, on October 13, 1962. They have three wonderful children, Michael Joseph (Sarah) Jessica and Joshua, Scott Lee, and Jill Marie (Kellie) Taylor.  She is survived by sisters Nancy Fair and Jenny Eickleman (Jeff), many nieces and nephews, and extended family.  Barbara is predeceased by her mother Dorothy, father Hank, brother David, and brother Don.

Barbara graduated from Englewood High School in 1961.  She met Joseph Luther Thompson on graduation night that same year on South Broadway. Barb was with her friend Pam Bacon; Barb, Joe, Pam, and her future husband (Dave) would develop a lifelong friendship.  The night Barb met Joe sparked an amazing love story that would span over 55 years.  They were married on October 13, 1962. To say that they were soul mates would be an understatement.  The love that they had for each other carried over into every aspect of their children’s lives.  This included watching and cheering on many sporting events, a commitment to education, dedication to family time during bike rides, hiking, camping, and weekend trips to Pueblo.

Barbara worked for hospital admissions at Swedish Hospital and was heavily recruited for an administrative assistant position for multiple orthopedic surgeons due to her compassion for patients, attention to detail, sense of humor, and ability to create a friendly atmosphere.  Her patients loved her so much that they brought gifts for her during their visits.  She worked her final five years at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, before retiring in 2006.

In addition to working full time, she was a wonderful homemaker for her loving husband, Joe, and their three children.  Barbara was selfless in her love for her family that she worked alternating shifts with her husband to be able to provide them with private school and a college education. 

Barb had an acute talent for listening to others, especially when you wanted to ask for advice or just blow off some steam, and she listened without judging or misdirecting the conversation.  She simply was a great listener.  You always felt comforted, humored, and loved after talking to Barb.  And she was everyone’s biggest fan.  Her support gave you hope and inspiration.

There were many loves in Barbara’s life. For example, she loved her greenhouse garden, and every spring would generously share the extra flowers (of which there were always many) with her sisters, children, and her neighbors. She loved watching anything to make her laugh, and would often say, “Can you play that again, just one more time?” just so she could chuckle, one more time. Barb enjoyed time celebrating local sports teams, the Rockies and the Broncos, going to the games when she could, or just sharing in the ups-and-downs by watching the games with family and friends. She also loved to make and serve spaghetti and meatballs, and pinwheel cookies, at Christmastime for her family to enjoy.

Barbara’s love and zest for life will truly be missed, as well as all aspects of her personality that was “bigger than life itself.” Barbara requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society 

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