BARBARA JOYCE BIBEAU Aug. 9, 1937 – Nov. 17, 2023
Barbara Joyce Bibeau passed away at her home on November 17, 2023; she was surrounded by her loved ones.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Chester and Beatrice Smith, and brothers Chester and Norman Smith.
Barbara was born in central Massachusetts on August 9, 1937. She moved to Los Alamos with her family in 1951, graduating from Los Alamos High School in 1955. Barbara loved to bowl, play golf, was a very good pool player, and loved going to the casino.
Barbara worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over 35 years providing administrative support at the highest levels of management for much of her career. Following retirement, she and her husband Roland moved to Rio Rancho where they enjoyed playing pool together, visiting the senior center for Wii bowling, but most especially entertaining their “Birthday Club” friends for games of dominoes and cards.
Barbara was a giving and loving person, and will be remembered for her delicious cooking, telling clean jokes and laughing with friends and strangers at life’s little ups and downs. She will be missed by all- she had wonderful nurses in her last year, that she truly loved like her own.
Barbara is survived by Roland Bibeau her husband, her daughter Vicky Lujan Gibbs (John), stepdaughters Joanna Bibeau Gillespie (Ken) and Babette Bibeau Acker (Kent). Grandchildren Jordan Gillespie (Melissa), Parker Gillespie, Jeremiah Balliett (Makala), Joanne Gibbs, and Judith Gibbs. Great grandchildren Logan Smith, Alaina Wright, Leland Balliett and Laynee Balliett. Sister Virginia Harkleroad and brother Robert Smith. Nieces Cheryl Bjarke (Gary), Brenda Timken (Tom), and nephew Mike Chelius (Christine). Numerous cherished cousins and family members.
A memorial service will be held at the Bibeau residence on December 17, 2023. Instead of flowers, Barbara’s husband and girls would love for you to give to your favorite charity and think of her with a tender smile.
