Sewanhaka grad remembered for compassion, activism

Born in the Village of Floral Park in 1922, Barbara Gill was the daughter of Redmond and Florence Joyce, and the youngest of four siblings. Gill, known to many local residents as active and compassionate, died on Jan. 19, with family by her side. She was 89.

After graduating from Sewanhaka High School in 1941 — the same year that the United States became involved in World War II — Gill landed a job in New York City. There, she met her husband, James M. Gill, an ensign in the U.S. Merchant Marine. In 1946, they were married and moved in Albany, until James’s death in 2001.

Gill was a member of the Tri-Kappa Sorority and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albany. She is preceded in death by her husband, James; oldest son, James R. Gill; and son-in-law, Donald Bebout.

She is survived by her daughters, J. Catherine Bebout of Montclair, N.J., Janet Gay of Knoxville, Tenn. (and her husband, Jim), Linda Grove of Greentown, Indiana (and her husband, Kenneth); her son, Richard Gill of Muncie (and his wife Shanna); grandchildren, Melissa Bebout Langewisch, Kristen Bebout English, Jennifer Grove Jimmie, Emily Grove Summers, Meghan Gay Swinson and Erin, Rachel, and Brendan Gill; and great-grandchildren, Sarah and Hannah Summers, and Ayden and Lauren Jimmie. Additionally, she is survived by Kathy S., her longtime nurse from St. Johns Hospice, who provided her with loving care.

Services for Gill were held on Jan. 24, at St. Mary’s Church, officiated by Father Andrew Dudzinski. A burial followed, held at Strong Cemetery of Albany.
In lieu of flowers, Gill’s wishes were that memorials be sent in her name to the St. Lawrence Food Pantry, located at 920 East Charles St. in Muncie, Indiana (47305), or the Second Harvest Food Bank, located at 6621 North Old State Rd. 3 in Muncie, Indiana (47303). Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.