Barbara Ann Gabey

Barbara Ann Gabey, 88, of South Bend, passed away on March 9, 2026, at St. Paul's Life Plan Community in South Bend. Born on March 26, 1937, in South Bend to the late Alexander and Regina M. (Sikorski) Nowacki, she was preceded in death by her daughter Regina Gabey, sisters Joan Kaniewski and Elaine Miller, and her life partner David Wells.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Marthe Ann (Kenneth Clark) Gabey of Troy, New York, and Karen (Monte) Thomas of South Bend; her son Michael (Jennifer) Gabey of Lindale, Georgia; four grandchildren, Theresa, Alexander, Gwen, and Emily; and eight great-grandchildren.

A straight-A student and member of the Handy Andy Social Club, she graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1954. Barbara worked as a Human Resource Manager for the City of South Bend. She traveled the world, designed houses, and was an accomplished seamstress, crocheter, and gardener who approached every pursuit with determination and skill. She loved books, music, recipes, ice cream, tomatoes, and dogs, while maintaining a particular dislike for chipmunks. Above all, she lived fiercely independent, encouraging her children to follow their dreams and embrace the same self-reliance, even when it carried them far from home. She remained a steady and welcoming presence whenever they returned.

A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.