Barbara G. Toussaint, 93, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Barbara was born in Port Jervis, New York, to Harry G. Gillette and Ona Gillette on April 22, 1931. She graduated from Matamoras High School, where she first met her childhood sweetheart, Pete Toussaint, who would later become her husband of 73 years. Barbara often said that Pete had “always been her hero.” They had a wonderful life together and raised three sons at their home in Matamoras. After their own children moved out, they opened their doors to grandchildren and neighbors. Over the years, at any chance that happened their way, this couple could be seen gliding across the dance floor, beaming at one another, and delighting those who watched them.
In addition to her family life, Barbara was a devoted volunteer in the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program. As a breast cancer survivor, Barbara listened and counseled fellow survivors with her kind words and unflagging assistance. In 2001, Barbara was recognized for her efforts when she was inducted into the Blue Cross of Northeast PA Gallery of Hope, where her dedication and inspiration to breast cancer survivors was duly noted. At that event, Barbara was so pleased to meet one of her idols, Peggy Fleming, an American figure skater, gold medalist, who was also a breast cancer survivor and was the keynote speaker at the luncheon.
Barbara also spent many joyful years of her life as an active volunteer in her church community. She could be seen diligently organizing the clothing give-away or assisting with Vacation Bible School and even gave her time as a member of the church’s board of directors. Barbara was also employed as a school cafeteria worker in the Delaware Valley schools for many years and was involved in the Pike Chapter of Pennsylvania School Retirees.
Barbara is survived by her sons Ross (Cindy) Toussaint, Mark (Kathleen) Toussaint, and Lee Toussaint. She is also survived by her brothers William (June) Gillette and Richard Gillette. Additional survivors are her grandchildren: Daniel (Kacia) Toussaint, Lauren (David) Gilles, Kimberly (Gregory) Sharry, Shane (Jennifer) Toussaint, and Noah Toussaint. Barbara is further survived by her eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, Peter W. Toussaint, and her siblings Irene (Donald) Paulus, Donna (Fred) DeGroat, and Paul (Sandy) Gillette. She’s also predeceased by her sisters-in-law Pauline (Kenneth) Farmer and Charlotte (Richard) Gillette.
Visitation: Thursday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hope Evangelical Free Church, 300 First Street, Matamoras, PA.
Funeral church service: Thursday, June 6, at 12 p.m. at the church.
Burial: Pine Grove Cemetery, One Cemetery Road, Matamoras, PA. Barbara will be jointly interned with her beloved husband, Peter, at the Toussaint burial plot.
If you wish to leave a memory or condolence for the family, please make use of Barbara’s Tribute Wall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the: Hope Evangelical Free Church, 300 First Street, Matamoras, PA 18336.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Knight-Auchmoody.com.