Barbara (Gilchrist) Abbott
OBITUARY
The family of Barbara (Gilchrist) Abbott announces the beautifully peaceful passing of their dear Mom, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, grandma, great grandma, sister-in-law and friend to all. She lived a life of devotion to her family with a personality as vibrant as the holidays and seasons she loved so much and filled with extra light and warmth. An Old Forge resident, she passed on April 2nd, at Allied Hospice in Scranton at the age of 85 years young.
Born in Taylor on June 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late William S., Sr. and Rose Marie (Ross) Gilchrist. She was spirited, young at heart, lived for laughter and never missed a chance to pull a playful prank. Her heart was huge and made of gold, and her home was always open and nobody left hungry! She worked for many years at Topps Chewing Gum Co. and after she became a Certified Nurses Aide, she deeply loved and cared for her patients. She also loved the sun and traveling with her husband to their favorite vacation spot, Myrtle Beach, S.C., every year. She loved all animals, especially Keeshonds and her kitties. She adored her regular conversations with her granddaughter and two great granddaughters as well as family and friends. Barbara was a warrior throughout all of her health challenges, while recovering time and time again to return to those she loved so much. She leaves behind a legacy of selfless care and a family who will carry her memory in their hearts forever!
She is survived by her adoring family, including her beloved husband of 69 years, Russell Abbott; her children, devoted son, Richard “Rick” Abbott of Taylor, and daughter, Barbara Marciano and husband Rudy of Moosic; two grandchildren, Dr. Rudy Marciano and wife Lara of Bangor, Me., and Sharee Marciano of New York, N.Y.; her great-grandchildren, Lilah and Camilla Marciano; her brother, William Gilchrist, Jr. of Old Forge; and nieces and nephews. Two brothers, John and Joseph Gilchrist, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of Allied Hospice for their amazing care and compassion throughout Barbara’s stay.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th, at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis Street in Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Paul McDonnell, Pastor, with family and friends invited to pay their respects at the church from 10:00 AM until Mass. Private burial, Old Forge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to either Allied Hospice c/o 511 Morgan Hwy., Scranton, PA 18508, or to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter c/o 967 Griffin Pond Rd., South Abington Township, PA 18411.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.
Barbara (Gilchrist) Abbott
April 2, 2026