January 9, 1938 – August 12, 2026
Barbara Ann (Brinkman) Philbrick, a resident of Reading for 56 years, passed away at her home on August 12, 2026, with her son, Jami, by her side. She was 88 years of age.
Barbara was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 9, 1938, the daughter of the late Robert and Ethel (Lentz) Brinkman. Barbara graduated from Lake Forest College in Illinois, where she played basketball, softball, and field hockey. She then went on to earn her master’s degree and PHD in teacher preparation at Purdue University, where she also coached women’s basketball and softball. She eventually was a professor of teacher preparation at Northeastern University, where she also coached women’s basketball.
An active member of her community and church, Barbara served for 13 years on the Reading School Committee and as a Reading Town Meeting Member. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Reading and served as Church Moderator from 2017-2026. She was also active in several church groups, including the Care Committee, Church Fair, and Let’s Talk. She also spent 10 years as the business manager for Creative Arts for Kids in Reading.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Benjamin M. Philbrick, Jr. She was the devoted mother of Benjamin M. Philbrick, III, “Jami,” of Los Angeles, California. She was the cherished sister of Beth Stewart and her husband Ed of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 11, at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 4-7PM. A funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St Reading, on Saturday, September 12, at 11 AM. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701, www.cancer.org
https://www.johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com/obituary/barbara-philbriock
