Barbara Marie Gaglia

"Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." - John Donne

Today, the bell tolls for all of us with the passing of my beautiful mother, Bobbi.

My mother was exceptional-bright, resilient, creative, and kind. She lived a life full of experiences most people would only dare to dream of. She sang with a USO group, served as a Marine, wrote and performed jingles for a radio station, and owned a bar called The Library. She was not only a survivor of stage IV metastatic breast cancer, but had been in remission for over a decade-a testament to her strength and determination.

She gave back in countless ways. She delivered Meals on Wheels, worked at and volunteered with her local senior center, and even wrote a weekly news column for the community. During the pandemic, she organized a parade of seniors-cars filled with honking horns, waving hands, and handmade signs-bringing joy and connection to neighbors who stood in their yards smiling and waving during such an uncertain time.

She taught me to fight fiercely for the people I love, no matter what. She welcomed my friends as if they were her own and gave love freely and abundantly. She was the best mom-my favorite person. Even when we disagreed, we always found our way back to understanding. She was the biggest presence in my life, my hero, and my strongest supporter. She truly saw me and knew me, and because of that, I grew up confident in being exactly who I am, without compromise. She and Barb gave me more love than I could have ever hoped for.

For all who loved her, there is comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering, as dementia slowly took pieces of her from us. Even so, there will never be another Bobbi.

Bobbi is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Rebecca Gaglia; her grandchildren, Lawrence Rodrigues and Caleb Gaglia; her brother, Charles Gaglia Jr.; and her sisters, Kathy Schnaubelt and Phyllis Gaglia.

She was preceded in death by her beloved partner, Barbara Riffel.

The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to Patricia Guignard and Stacie Downing, who shared a home with Bobbi and cared for her with compassion and devotion.