Barbara Wimmer Garbinski, 82

Barbara Wimmer Garbinski fell asleep in the Lord on Feb. 27, 2024. She was an inspirational woman beloved by many who valued faith, family and friends, and who lived every day with love and joy. She battled pancreatic cancer courageously and passed away peacefully at home at age 82, with her beloved niece by her side.

Barbara was born April 4, 1941, in the Bronx, N.Y., her bright blue eyes twinkling from the start. She excelled in school, enjoyed socializing, and embraced a strong faith and work ethic. These core values, instilled by her loving parents, Anastasia and Joseph Wimmer, guided her long and happy life. After graduating from Hunter College in 1962, Barbara adventurously moved to California, where she met her loving husband, Chuck, during coffee hour at Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church. Marrying in 1972, they traveled the world and enjoyed spending time at church and with their many close friends in West Covina and Palm Desert. As a kind, caring, and dedicated elementary school teacher in Compton for over 36 years, Barbara touched and positively changed the lives of generations of children.

In 1998, Barbara and Chuck retired to beautiful Post Falls, Idaho, alongside several California friends. They met many new close friends as they helped to build St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Post Falls. In 2004, Barbara lost Chuck to ALS. Barb's strong faith and love of family and friends carried her through grief. She continued her life purposefully, focusing on her church life and spiritual groups, gardening, bowling, trips with friends, volunteer work, holding babies and playing with sick children at Spokane Children's Hospital. 

Barbara was a loving sister to Irene and her husband, Demetri, a doting aunt to Melissa and Patricia and their families, a favorite cousin, a godmother to many, a beloved friend and a helpful neighbor. She touched many with her beautiful smile, kind words and prayers and bettered the lives of those around her. May God welcome Barbara into his loving arms and may her memory be eternal!

All events will take place at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 4718 E. Horsehaven Ave. Post Falls, Idaho.

Trisagion Service and first viewing will be held Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m., followed directly by the Vigil readings. On Tuesday, March 12, visitation will be at 9 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John The Baptist Antiochian Orthodox Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make Donations to St. John The Baptist Antiochian Orthodox Church.

To see Barbara's Online Memorial and to leave a message for the family, please visit www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.