Barbra Ann Tilbury passed away peacefully, surrounded by her brothers and family, February 25 at Doctors Hospital in Modesto, at the age of 67. Barbra was born in Escalon on November 28, 1955 at the “Old Hospital on Park Ave.” and spent most of her life on Gwendolyn Street-named after her grandmother-gaining a reputation as the street’s gatekeeper, private detective, and social ambassador.
Barbra was the proud daughter of Harry and Dorothy Tilbury, who preceded her in death in 1993 and 1994 respectively. She had three brothers she adored and loved to drive crazy: Ric Tilbury (wife Joan), Phil Tilbury Sr. (wife Pat) and Warren Tilbury (wife Lois). She had four nephews she also treasured: Phil Tilbury Jr. (wife Jan), Treven Tilbury (wife Carol), Kenny Tilbury (wife Janice) and Ben Tilbury (fiancée Lindsay). Barbra was by no means a boring, shy, keep-my-opinions-to-myself type of person. She was a spitfire, pretty, hilarious, fun and loyal. She was, until the very end, an extremely hard worker, having learned the more traditional tricks of the trade growing up among all those males. She was one of the most creative people you could ever meet! Painting, sewing, and creating decoupage treasures she would gift to friends and family, capturing the history and love behind them. Her home and wardrobe also reflected her pizazz! Barbra loved to cook and garden (and of course waged war on those gophers who sought to destroy it!) She loved puzzles, her game shows and talk shows, and her T.V. was on 24/7. Barbra graduated from Escalon High School in 1973. Her career consisted of over 15 years in retail sales at Mervyn’s Dept. Store in Modesto, where she worked alongside many friends she treasured throughout her lifetime. Prior to the closure of all Mervyn’s stores, she began work in the office at her brother Ric’s NAPA Auto Parts Store in Escalon. You cannot mention the term “49er Fan” without Barb in the same sentence! She was obsessed and rarely missed a televised game, including their final loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 29th. She always had a quick witted, inappropriate joke to throw your way to make you burst into laughter or lighten the mood by making you feel slightly uncomfortable as she sipped from her Coors long-neck. She cherished the past, and lived in it sometimes, holding close the key to old Escalon memories and a family she was proud to be a challenging part of. She was loved by many and will leave a very big void in this small town she loved so much.
Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Tilbury family.
A Burial Ceremony will be held Monday, March 13, 11 a.m. at Burwood Cemetery, Escalon. The family requests no flowers. The gift of your friendship is enough. (If you wish to make a donation in Barbra’s name, please do so through the Escalon Historical Society, the American Legion, or Second Harvest Food Bank.)
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
March 8, 2023
