Barbara Ann (Brinkman) Philbrick, a resident of Reading for 56 years, passed away at her home with her son, Jami, by her side on August 12, 2026.  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 13 years as a member of the Reading School Committee and was a Reading Town Meeting Member for 13 years.  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 11AM.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to the American Cancer Society PO Box 1120 Framingham MA 01701 www.cancer.org

For directions and online guest book visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com