Barbara Ann Gabrielson was born to Russell and Dorothy Evans in Bayshore Hospital on Long Island, New York. Growing up in Amityville, New York, she participated in many sports. She served as the school Drum Majorette for several years, was in Esther Williams’ “Aquacade” as a water ballet team member in Jones Beach, and competed with a water skiing team in Cypress Gardens, Florida. She also worked as a messenger in New York City on roller skates!
Barbara married Robert Gabrielson (“Gabe”) in October, 1947 after he returned from Iwo Jima in World War II. Gabe travelled the world working for American Broadcasting Company, in particular “Wide World of Sports.” Barbara raised and loved their six children, JoAnne, Robert, Jeanne, Glenn, Nancy and Eric. She volunteered at Los Robles Hospital in order to help people. She passed away in her sleep on January 27, 2012. She is survived by her six children, ten grandchildren, Joel, Leslye, Danielle, Dawn, Craig, Taylor, Wesley, Colton, Cody, and Alexandria (“Lexi”), and seven great grandchildren and another due in June: Cassie, Isaac, Kayley, Kaydee, Charlie, Grace, and Kasen.
